bringing nature into the classroom
“Can we have class outside??”
We’ve all heard this phrase coming from our students on a warm sunny day. Unfortunately, the modern era of education has made going outside more difficult. Studies show that nature has many positive impacts on learning and mental wellness.
Being around nature:
- Lowers stress levels
- Increases focus and creativity
- Increases sense of happiness and calm
The good news is you don’t have to hold class outside or teach at a nature school to experience these benefits. There are many ways you can bring nature into the classroom to soak in all the wonderful benefits.
ways to incorporate nature in the classroom
Open the Windows: Letting in some fresh air is good for your health (fresh air can help prevent the spread of airborne germs) and mental wellness. Taking a deep breath of the outside air can help our minds to wake up, improve our creativity and lower our stress levels.
Decorate Rocks: You can have your class decorate rocks and place them around the school (outside or inside) for others to find. This will boost their creativity while also allowing them to brighten someone else’s day!
Create a “cool nature table”: Have a place for students to display their “finds” from outdoor recess or from home. Having them at a table allows all students to look at and touch the unique pinecones, pretty weeds…I mean flowers…and cool rocks that their classmates found. They can experience nature even when the class can’t go outside.
Use a nature themed screensaver that shows a waterfall, forest, aquarium or other nature theme. Studies show that we still benefit from looking at nature even if we can’t be there in person. For example, watching a natural body of water lowers our stress levels.
Play nature sounds: Waterfalls, birds, crickets. Go online and find some nature sounds to listen to. Breathe deeply while you listen to a babbling brook, a songbird or some crickets.
Have a class plant and assign someone to water it. This will allow your students to have nature in their environment and learn responsibility by taking care of it.
Create nature artwork: leaf prints, pressed flower petals or create structures from twigs or other nature materials. This will boost creativity and teach them appreciation for natural things!
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