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Here’s what some of the research says: 

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• One of the most exciting benefits has to do with stress management in children -- outdoor play helps children manage stress and become resilient.  (Wells, 2000)

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• Children who connect with nature may be more inventive and better problem-solvers due to the hands-on learning that local nature provides.  (Malone, 2003)

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• Children who grow up spending time in nature are more likely to be strong advocates for the environment when they reach adulthood, which is critical for the long-term protection of our natural heritage. (Malone 2003)

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• Children who play in natural environments show more advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance and agility and they are sick less often. (Fjortoft 2001; Grahn et al, 1997)

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• Outdoor environments are important to children’s development of independence and autonomy.  (Bartlett, 1996)

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• Children with views of and contact with nature score higher on tests of concentration and self-discipline.  The greener the view, the better the scores. (Faber Taylor et al 2002; Wells 2000)

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• When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse, with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills (Faber Taylor et al; Fjortoft, 2000. Moore and Wong, 1997)

 

Covenant places a high value on educating children on the importance of nature and our connection to it.  Currently, this is all done through a coordinated combination of children’s literature, music and movement, science and art activities as well as regular time outdoors in our cutting edge Turtle Playscape.