Let's Recap Why Our Kids Need Nature

Today is Outdoor Classroom Day! This global movement, led by parents and educators, celebrates the wonders of learning in nature and the freedom of outdoor playtime. We hope to give children more time outdoors for them to be happier and healthier!

Last 3 April 2022, parents and educators attended Why Our Kids Need Nature, a webinar hosted by the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability. They shared their afternoon with Sharon Cortez, the founder of Forest School Philippines to hear about the many benefits of nature-based education for child development. Getting out in nature gives children a sensory and emotional experience that can improve their creativity and critical thinking skills, create space for vital exercise, develop leadership skills, and kindle a desire to be stewards of the environment. Giving children access to the outdoors also cultivates a sense of independence, an essential skill as they grow older.

So, how can we provide outdoor learning experiences for our kids and students? In the second part of the session Abi Garrino, a science communicator and researcher from the UP Diliman Biodiversity Research Laboratory, shared her experience as a science educator. She shares that nature is essential for holistic development and it is vital for kids to experience shinrin yoku or forest bathing. Unfortunately, without large accessible green spaces in Metro Manila, our children will need alternative activities. Abi explains that even simple activities like going outdoors to feel the soil, checking out plants and animals in backyards, and exploring gardens to photograph interesting wildlife are small ways to practice shinrin yoku. For budding young naturalists, parents and educators are encouraged to try out outdoor activities like tree walks.

With the lack of green spaces in Metro Manila, this event shows how accessible, kid-friendly parks and wild areas are crucial for our children to grow healthy, happy, and strong! The Outdoor Classroom Day movement aims to ensure that outdoor learning is part of the school curriculum everyday, children are provided a minimum amount of outdoor time during recess and lunch, and that schools are equipped to advocate for more time outdoors. To learn more about the movement, you can check out their website here: https://outdoorclassroomday.com/

Want to watch the Why Our Kids Need Nature webinar? Feel to check out the recording here: http://go.ateneo.edu/YouTube-WhyOurKidsNeedNature

You can also share our recaps of the webinar on the AIS Facebook page here and here.