Why Nature Experience for Children is Important

Teaching children about the environment not only helps them understand the natural world but also fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness that can shape their behavior and attitudes towards sustainability.

When children learn about the environment, they understand how nature works and the importance of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. This helps them develop a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them.

Knowing about the environment also encourages them to become responsible stewards of the Earth, promoting eco-friendly behaviors like recycling, reducing waste, conserving water, and using less energy.

5 Reasons that make Nature Experience for Children Important

Parent and Child

As a parent, it is critical that young children are made aware of the environment as it empowers them to make informed decisions, act responsibly, and contribute to a sustainable future.

There are different ways for children to learn about the environment that foster a deeper understanding of nature, sustainability, and their role in protecting the planet, such as classroom and online lectures, storytelling and literature, community-driven programs, nature experience, etc.

While every method has its merit as it engages children with diverse, hands-on, and creative ways to learn about the environment, by including nature experiences, we can help them develop a sense of curiosity, responsibility, and empowerment.

Incorporating nature experience for children has the potential to trigger their sensitivity towards nature conservation, leading to positive environmental actions at different levels.

Schools and parents can facilitate nature camping to stimulate young minds towards environment protection by involving them in nature tourism. This can be organised in small groups in permitted areas of forests, nature parks, wildlife sanctuaries, etc.

Touch and Feel

Taking children on nature walks, treks or hikes provides them with a firsthand experience of the environment. They can observe wildlife, plants, trees, and the natural world up close, helping them develop a personal connection with nature.

Nature camping is recognized as a process that helps children acquire essential knowledge and skills to take positive actions towards a better environment. A first-hand experience of nature has an educational impact that is strong, irreplaceable and lifelong.

A research study conducted for 4th and 5th graders in Turkey revealed that ‘the nature camp program was effective in extending the children’s conception of the nature by including both living and non-living things’.

Learn Concepts

Through a nature-based programme, students learn in nature about various concepts such as wildlife conservation, biodiversity, floral and faunal diversity, wetlands and forest ecosystems, biomes, etc.

By immersing children in the natural world, they can observe biological concepts firsthand and develop a deep, lasting understanding of life sciences.

Through observation, children can better understand the importance of bees, ants, plants, animals, wetlands, forests, or other environmental topics, instead of being discussed in a classroom.

Fun and Engaging

Children can also prepare a small checklist of flora and fauna they find in the nature. These nature-based activities can be intended for fun-filled learning and imbibing conservation ethics and values.

Additionally, to augment nature experience for children, activities like nature games, bird watching, trekking, green pledges, creative competition, group discussion, and experience sharing can be included.

Develop Emotional Empathy and Curiosity

Whether listening to animal sounds, watching a squirrel dart up a tree, or seeing birds building nests, these moments help children form a deeper emotional connection to nature.

Nature encourages curiosity, as children often ask questions about what they see, hear, and feel. This inquisitiveness allows them to form a more personal connection that fosters a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment and its ecosystems.

A study found that ‘nature experiences increased children’s emotional affinity towards nature, their ecological beliefs, and willingness to display ecological behaviour’.

Become Eco-Conscious

As children learn about the environment, they become more aware of the impact of human activity on nature. This awareness can foster a sense of compassion and a desire to protect the planet for future generations.

Nature camping has proven to be an excellent platform for engaging children and student groups to incorporate sustainable lifestyles and encourage an environmentally friendly attitude.

Wrapping Up

Environmental awareness through an informal mode of education can be a critical step to develop an understanding of various environmental issues.

Nature experience for children, teachers and even other adults has huge potential to trigger sensitivity towards nature appreciation and conservation, leading to positive environmental actions at different levels. It can play an important role in changing our behaviour.

These experiences will enhance understanding of the natural world and inspire us to be environmentally-conscious individuals who care for and protect the planet.