How Children Living in the City Benefit from Exposure to the Natural World

Last updated 1 year ago

Living in the city can be great for working adults and young professionals, but it’s not always so great for children. You might be able to remember playing outside for hours on end, only stopping when your parents called you in. But today’s children, especially those children who live in the city, spend a majority of their day inside. Unfortunately, isolation from the natural world can have a negative impact on a child’s development.

Here are some of the ways that children benefit from exposure to the natural world:

When children play and interact in natural environments, their play is more imaginative and creative. This helps to foster the development of language and collaborative skills.

Exposure to natural environments improves children’s cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning, and observational skills.

Studies show that children who are regularly exposed to natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance, and agility.

In addition to aiding the mental, emotional, and physical development of children, the study of nature increases respect and appreciation for nature—something that everyone should have.

Regular exposure to the natural world can help relieve the stress of city life. Even children can be affected by the hustle and bustle of urban living. It is also a pleasant escape from the bright lights and loud noises of the city.

The study of nature, including plant and animal care, is an integral part of our curriculum at Starwood Montessori School. Our students learn about and interact with nature daily thanks to the greenhouse on the school grounds. At Starwood Montessori, we believe the study of nature is essential to help today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders. If you have any questions, call us at (972) 712-8080.