Nature play is simply providing the time and space for children to be in nature. It is child-focused and child-led with no adult-directed outcome.

Why? Because free time playing in nature supports optimal child wellbeing!

For growing bodies: nature play encourages physical activity so strengthens bones, muscles and heart health. Playing on uneven natural surfaces improves balance and co-ordination. Looking up into tree canopies or out to the horizon helps eye health reducing rates of visual problems like short sightedness.

For growing minds: encounters with animals and natural phenomena like puddles, rain, sunrises and rainbows foster awe and wonder. These states of fascination stimulate curiosity and a love of learning. Problem-solving, creativity and resilience are all nurtured by nature play experiences.

For growing nature lovers: children who grow up with nature in their lives are more likely to care about the natural world as adults- becoming the nature stewards and environmentalists of the future.

How- create time and space for all children to play in nature!

Make time: nature play can start as soon as children can play on their own outside, around the age of three. Cancel an organised, adult-driven activity in your child’s current schedule and replace it with a time for nature play. Try to fit in some time for this play every day.

Find green places: nature play can be in your own backyard, the nearby park or you could bring some natural objects home and have a nature play corner inside if it’s really difficult to get to a green space. Nature play uses ‘loose materials’ like sticks, leaves, flowers and stones that children can incorporate into their games as they wish.

Step back: this may be the tricky bit! Adults need to step back and simply allow children to play as they wish. It might be good to offer some ‘play invitations’ like a pile of sticks or leaves to help initiate play but remember not to set a goal or desired outcome!

To find out more check out the resources below or buy Nature, Our Medicine

Books:

The Last Child in the Woods and other books by Richard Louv

The Sense Of Wonder by Rachel Carson

How to Raise A Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson 

Online:

Schools Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten film directed by Lisa Molomot

Project Wildthing film by David Bond- access on thewildnetwork

Kids In Nature Network 

Photo credits:
Child with leaves Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
Children with tree branches Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Children leaning against tree Photo by by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash