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Topical Tuesdays from The Week Junior – Children aren’t connecting with nature

The Week Junior

schools.theweekjunior.co.uk

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A new study from the National Trust has shown that children and young people’s wellbeing was improved by engaging with activities connected to the natural world, and that they were happier if they were relaxing outdoors.

Professor Miles Richardson from the University of Derby, who helped analyse the results, said the survey showed that people who spent more time with nature were more likely to help protect animals and the environment.

He explained, “This report for the first time demonstrates that simple everyday acts of noticing nature, that build a closer connection, are key to people taking action for nature. Every bit of connection makes a difference.”

However, it also showed that more than three quarters of children aged between eight and 15 rarely or never listen to birdsong, and that they never watch the Sun rise (90%), look at clouds (79%) or smell wildflowers (83%).

In order to combat the problem, the National Trust has launched a week-by-week Get Connected to Nature programme, full of tips for activities that take between 20 seconds and 20 minutes to complete, to help children connect with nature.

They include how to watch butterflies and bees, grow a plant on your windowsill or build a home for animals.

You can get this free nine-week plan here.

This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:

Discuss whether you think activities in or about nature should be part of the school curriculum, or whether it should be a personal choice as to whether you engage with it or not.
Think about a time you spent in nature and write a recount of it, including all the sights, sounds and smells you experienced.
Write an informal, persuasive letter from nature to you, asking you to look after it. It can be funny or emotional.
Write fact files (perhaps even including a sketch) for three to five species of bird you have seen where you live.

To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.