With fair season right around the corner (some of them are already here), there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the remaining summer weather and the upcoming cool fall air! With that being said, without these fun fall activities, it can be harder to get outside with your kids. As screens are constantly around us, it is so easy to forget to connect with nature and let our kids explore the world around us.
In this literature review, the importance of allowing children to connect with nature and exploring the ecosystems around them is described as necessary and often overlooked in importance. Exploration of the environment reaps multiple positive benefits such as enhanced cognitive development, increased levels of social esteem and self-management skills, and even independence and/or skills in team building. Not to mention, it is proven that children who had access to the outdoors were able to have focused, direct attention as well as increased cognitive ability.
These skills are deemed important and necessary for development but can be forgotten about and overlooked as kids may seek an altered sense of connection to nature virtually or within a video game. As mentioned in the review, fear of injury by parents or lack of access to an accessible outdoor area can inhibit the availability for outdoor exploration. As children still have their curious nature and ability for fantasy and role playing, the lack of an outdoor play area may lead children to turn to video games and virtual reality.
With the outdoors providing a space for children to explore and grow, it brings to the table new ways for children to expand their cognitive abilities as well as provide a way for kids to unplug and de-stress naturally.
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Mikayla Clemens
Research Assistant, UConn KIDS