Access to outdoor green spaces helps reduce stress and improves attention spans in children by offering them a peaceful environment, according to a new study published last month.
In an interview with , lead author of the study and University of Colorado Boulder professor of environmental design Louise Chawla says that since children spend the majority of their time in school, it is important to integrate daily contact with nature at school.
Chawla argues that schools can reduce stress simply by allowing children to play in green spaces, instead of only focusing on teaching children how to cope with stress.
鈥淢any schools already offer stress management programs,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut they鈥檙e about teaching individuals how to deal with stress instead of creating stress-reducing environments.鈥�
The researchers analyzed responses to green schoolyards in Maryland and Colorado through interviews with students, teachers, and parents. More than 1,200 hours of observation were recorded.
In the study, young elementary school children were allowed to play in wooded areas, older elementary school children used a natural habitat for class lessons, and high schoolers were allowed to garden.
The study found that children viewed the green spaces as calming. The natural areas allowed students to .
Elementary school teachers in Maryland reported that after spending recess time in the woods, their students came back to the classroom with longer attention spans. In Denver, the results of the study point to green spaces as relaxing environments that encourage better behavior.
鈥淚n more than 700 hours of observations at the Denver school鈥檚 green outdoor space, zero uncivil behaviors were observed,鈥� said Chawla. 鈥淏ut there were many incidents of arguments and rudeness indoors, as there are at many schools.鈥�
The high schoolers who spent time gardening told researchers they liked being outside in the fresh air, feeling connected to nature, successfully nurturing living things, and having time to self reflect.
Other studies have shown that children today spend minimal time outside. 43 percent of parents say their children would rather watch television inside than go outside and play. About 10 percent say their kids would even
Many parents, without the time to supervise outdoor playtime, rely on schools to ensure that their children spend time outside during school hours, either through physical education or recess.
However, as Chawla mentions, spending time outside simply isn鈥檛 enough. Natural terrain schoolyards that include water features, dirt, and plants foster relationships and feelings of competence. Having access to the outdoors鈥攁nd not just asphalt and a playground鈥攈as its benefits for children.
Advocates for children spending time in natural spaces argue that that forces children鈥檚 brains to work in unique ways to understand new stimuli, stimulates creativity, helps children develop a respect for living things, and increases their physical activity level.
Other researchers have suggested alterations to recess this year. In January, a University of Delaware professor suggested that schools for children to derive lasting benefit.
Photo: 69传媒 at High Shoals elementary plant for the second time with the help of Dean Angle and Representative Chuck Williams. (UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences/Flickr Creative Commons)