Read to discover ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day indoors.
“Being able to explore and discover through nature-based play is a child's work. Earth day is a great reminder to us all that playing, inside or out, is foundational in children’s learning,” says Housman Institute founder Dr. Donna Housman. “It also can help relieve stress,” adds Dr. Housman.
Whether at your local park, in your backyard, or even on your balcony, “There are infinite ways to interact with nature,” says Dr. Housman. “Play, especially nature-based play, provides children’s sense of wonder with flight into another world that encourages flexibility of thought. It’s about the process, not the product, and a wonderful means to foster creativity and imagination.”
Creativity is not the only benefit. Play through nature also builds confidence, while teaching children responsibility and providing them a sense of control during a time when many things can feel out of their control.
Help plant seeds in a cup by the window or care for and inhale the fragrant scent of a Paper White flower, stimulating both touch and smell.
Have children read The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle, and then raise butterflies, indoors!
Children can collect leaves, flowers, and other materials in their area, and see what shadows are cast when a light is shined through.
To learn more about this activity visit the ECL library.
Given all these benefits, it’s no wonder that most studies agree that kids who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. And by the way, all the advantages that nature offers ring true for adults, too, especially for stress relief and mood improvement.
Concludes Dr. Housman: “Nature is a teacher like no other. It encourages learning through discovery, feeds curiosity, and ignites passions. Nothing is more empowering than that.”
So, happy Earth Day from the Housman Team. We hope you celebrate with some well-earned nature-inspired play and relaxation.
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