3 Benefits Of Nature-Based Learning For Young Toddlers
As parents, most of us are always concerned about our children’s excessive screen time. The truth is, as long as your child is indoors, it’ll be hard to escape the fast-paced digital world that we’re constantly surrounded by. The only way to escape is to go beyond the four walls and embrace the outdoors!
Young toddlers need opportunities to connect with nature and explore it freely, but also through guided learning patterns. Research shows that nature-based learning can play an incredibly critical role in early childhood education—here’s what you need to know about it.
It Aids Cognitive and Physical Development
Nature-based learning provides abundant opportunities for toddlers to engage in physical activities, promoting overall development. Exploring natural spaces, running aimlessly through open fields, climbing over rocks and trees, and balancing on logs enhances their gross motor skills, physical strength, and coordination. These physical experiences support the development of their muscles and bones, contributing to their overall physical well-being.
Additionally, nature-based learning stimulates cognitive development as toddlers encounter new and unique challenges in outdoor settings. They learn to solve problems, make small decisions, and exercise their creativity while engaging in imaginative play with natural materials.
And, of course, nature-based activities also foster curiosity and a sense of wonder, encouraging toddlers to ask questions and explore the world around them!
It Boosts Sensory Development in Younger Children
To say that nature is a sensory-rich environment is an understatement. It offers toddlers a multitude of sensory experiences; from feeling the texture of leaves and flowers to hearing birds and insects, nature engages all their senses!
Engaging with natural elements such as sand, mud, and water promotes sensory exploration, which is crucial for young children’s brain development. These experiences stimulate their senses, enhancing their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Additionally, nature-based learning encourages toddlers to use their senses to observe, interact, investigate, and connect with the world around them, fostering a strong foundation for future learning!
Nature Based Learning Also Helps with Social and Emotional Growth
Lastly, nature-based learning offers a nurturing and calming environment that supports emotional well-being and social growth in young children.
Being in nature helps toddlers reduce undetected stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. Moreover, natural spaces provide an ideal setting for toddlers to develop their social skills and build positive relationships. They have opportunities to interact with other children their age, engage in cooperative play, and practice communication and negotiation skills.
Nature also fosters a sense of empathy and connection with the natural world, teaching toddlers to respect and care for their environment and living creatures. By spending time outdoors, toddlers develop a sense of belonging and an appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
If you want your child to experience all this and more, consider choosing Ivy League Learning Center as their first infant daycare center as well as preschool in Overland Park KS. With the best early education programs, we’re all set to give your child an immersive learning experience!
Give us a call for more information!