by Thomas Foley
Did you know that children in the UK are spending less time outdoors than ever before? Research by Natural England has found that the likelihood of a child visiting any green space in a week has halved in a single generation. A single generation!
Of course living in a busy metropolis makes it more difficult, but one can’t help feeling uneasy at this alarming stat, especially as we know that outdoor learning can do so much for children. It opens eyes to a world of art and culture, and best illustrates the principles of science and nature. Not only that, time spent outdoors sparks creativity and innovation in children, promotes independence, and inspires wonder in the great wide world—not to mention the obvious benefits to physical health.
Ofsted have stressed that a child’s performance at school can benefit greatly from activity outside the classroom and for this reason there has been a nationwide initiative to introduce more regular outdoor learning. However, many schools still don’t venture out very often, whether due to time constraints, costs, lack of training or geographical limitations. The common worry among parents is that their children are becoming too reliant on
technology, that they’re losing touch with the natural world around them. Getting ‘back to nature’ is a common desire, but in many cases the question is, Where do I start? With the summer holidays here, many parents—especially busy, working ones—want to know how they can encourage their children to get outdoors in a safe and stimulating environment.
Here are a few ways to start:
Walk or ride bicycles instead of driving
Riding to school come September is a great idea, too. Children who spend time outside in the morning are much more likely to be ready to get down to learning once they get indoors.
Introduce your child to gardening
Give them responsibility for a part of your garden and encourage them to contribute to the dinner table.
Make use of London’s parks
They are some of the best urban parks in the world, and even in the city there are the wild pockets of nature reserves. Go there and build a den, climb a tree, pick some wildflowers and have a picnic.
Discover the outdoors at night
Why not camp out in your back garden this summer? It appeals to children’s sense of adventure and is a great activity for the whole family.
Institute a tech-free day in your home
Ban all use of electronics once a week and watch the kids flock outdoors in search of something to do!
Be nature detectives together
Children respond to the curiosity and passion they see in others, and the Woodland Trust have plenty of ideas to help get you started.
First Hand Education organises holiday and after-school clubs in southwest London. Our mission? To re-connect children with their natural environment in a fun but educational way; to introduce children to good, healthy ways of eating; to give children a chance to explore and expand their creative sides; to foster a sense of community and teamwork. Make sure to check out their October 2014 courses!
