How to Educate Kids About Nature

Nature is an essential part of a child's development. It helps them foster a love of the natural world around them and form a deeper connection with it, all whilst learning important life skills. 

From creativity, to empathy, to connecting them to the nature we see everyday, there are so many things that outdoor learning can teach young people.

This blog explores why teaching children about why the natural world matters and provides engaging ways to help kids understand and learn.

Why Teaching Kids About Nature Is Important

One of the most significant reasons to get kids outside, is the impact it can have on your physical and mental wellbeing. In a world of digital media, getting outside into a natural environment for just one hour a day is more important than ever. 

Studies have shown that time spent outside enhances physical health, like increasing Vitamin D, and encourages healthy habits, whilst also improving mood and reducing stress. 

Being in nature from a young age helps kids develop a sense of responsibility surrounding it, whether that be a love for growing their own vegetables, or making sure all local birds are well fed, nature helps teach the importance of human actions on the environment. 

There’s nothing quite as creative as nature, from colourful birds to blooming flowers, there are so many amazing things that spark imagination. Being outside can also support critical thinking - observing natural processes will leave them with the curiosity to find out more. 

Exploring nature together strengthens family and community connections. It provides opportunities to share meaningful experiences while teaching life lessons in a hands-on way and creates nature loving kids.

Fun Activities to Teach Kids About Nature

Nature Walks and Observation

You don’t have to go far, you’ll be surprised how many nature reserves and parks are near you, you could even just spend time exploring your own garden! 

It can be as simple as going for a walk and taking in the sights, sounds and smells, or you can encourage them to take in the natural patterns, plants and animals. 

You could take binoculars, magnifying glasses and bird ID books and guides to make it more interesting, but a simple walk in the countryside is also perfect!

Gardening Together

Gardening is a fantastic way to teach kids about the world around them. 

Work with them to grow vegetables, plants and flowers, and let them be involved right from planting the seed, to seeing it in its final form!

Allow them to plant seeds, water the garden, and observe the changes over time. This hands-on activity also teaches patience and responsibility.

Nature Scavenger Hunts

Everyone loves a scavenger hunt, don’t they? (Especially if there’s a prize to be won!) 

It’s also a really versatile game, you can pull together a list of natural items to find - think pinecones, feathers, leaves of certain trees, this way children can spend time searching your garden, or a local park, whilst having fun outside and learning all about the small things surrounding them.

Wildlife Exploration

Wildlife can be introduced in many different ways - either by setting up bird feeders and watching to see what birds use it, or visiting a zoo or farm to learn about animals up close. 

You can teach them about different sounds animals make, or the footprints they might leave. This helps to build an appreciation for the diverse creatures that share the great outdoors with us.

Simple Science Experiments in Nature

If you’re feeling creative, you can conduct easy experiments to explain natural processes. For example:

• Build a mini water cycle using a jar and plastic wrap to show evaporation and condensation.

• Place a leaf in sunlight with a clear plastic cover to demonstrate photosynthesis.

• Observe insects with a magnifying glass and learn about their role in the ecosystem.

This is a fun way to learn about basic sciences!

Building a Bird Nest

Building a bird box is a really fun way to get kids learning about birds. All you need is some wood that’s suitable for outside weather conditions, measure and cut the panels and assemble. You can use natural materials too if you have any lying around! 

It’s worth researching what kind of birds are local to you, as this can change some things about the nest box, like the size of the entrance hole. 

Camping

If you love the natural world too - take the children camping one weekend, you can have them building campfires, shelter construction and gaining survival skills, whilst also having fun!

It's also a brilliant way to connect kids and young adults with the outdoor spaces around us.

What are the Benefits of Nature Based Learning?

Learning about wildlife comes with a lot of benefits, for both adults and children!

• It encourages exercise, enhances motor skills, and promotes overall well being.

• Being outside can reduce stress, improve our mood, and help foster mindfulness and improves our overall mental health.

• Nature activities spark imagination and helps kids think outside the box through open-ended play, it's a great way to engage children.

• Supports hands-on experiences that reinforce concepts in science, math, and literacy.

• Encourages problem-solving and observation skills by exploring natural processes.

• Builds a sense of responsibility for protecting and preserving nature and creates a deeper appreciation of the world around us.

• Promotes teamwork, communication, and empathy through group outdoor activities. This could be in school ground, or even at after school activities - like forest schools.