Nature bonding experiences are vital for preschool and primary-aged children if they are to grow up to be people who take care of the Earth.
"We do not bring nature to life, nature brings us to life."
–Philip Sutton Chard
Since the scientific revolution of the 1600s and then the industrial revolution of the 1800s, the EuroAmerican worldview has set human beings apart from the rest of Nature. This disconnection, this lack of Nature bonding, has acted as a major barrier to ecologically sound and environmentally responsible behaviour, as well as full physical and mental health and spiritual fulfillment.
Childhood is the time for developing empathy for all living things, and young children need ample opportunities to make friends with Nature. They aren't ready for the enormity of today's global problems, but they can care about the birds and small animals in the school yard and care for plants in the classroom or the school garden.
Doing all we can to help children bond with the natural world when they are young will help develop in them respect for life when they are grown and ensure their keen interest in ecology, environmental solutions, and education for sustainable development in the higher grades.
"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
Research published in 2007 by the Council of Outdoor Educators of Ontario in Reconnecting Children through Outdoor Education shows that children's physical, mental and emotional health, as well as their scholastic achievement, improves with Nature bonding and time spent outdoors, during free play in natural spaces. Think Monday morning walkabouts to see what's changed in the school yard each week. Picture plants in every classroom, and time spent tending the school garden.
Here is a powerful and inspiring video featuring Jane Goodall, Sylvia Earle and others:
Children and Nature: Awakening a Sense of Wonder
by Libby and Len Traubman for the Foundation for Global Community.
As a teacher (or parent) of preschool children or students in the primary grades, you can focus on Nature bonding by helping them:
Here's another beautiful and meditative video that would be perfect for helping students connect with the rest of Nature during quiet work time in class or indoor recess on stormy days. It's in seven segments:
Images for Reflection from Libby and Len Traubman
Several experts believe we must help young children avoid learning or worrying about environmental tragedies, which are not developmentally appropriate for them. (See David Sobel's wonderful article, Beyond Ecophobia, which explains that children need time to bond with Nature before we ask them to save it.)
If you've ever seen the look on the face of a young child who asks, "All the animals are disappearing, aren't they?" you'll agree.
Other people, however, are starting to think that the children's sad reactions might be the only thing that will move their parents to action on global warming.
My personal view?
Young children still deserve a childhood.
They need innumerable Nature bonding experiences.
They also deserve a viable future on a healthy planet —
but that should be the worry of us adults.
Go from Nature Bonding (K-3) to Ecological Principles (Grades 4-5/6)
Return from Nature Bonding to Greening the Curriculum
Go to GreenHeart Education Homepage