Research

In 2005, the book 'Last Child in the Woods' cited only 9 reliable peer-reviewed articles on benefits of nature to children that existed to date. Today, well over 500 peer-reviewed articles exist, exploring a range of topics (Richard Louv, CN&N Conf., 2017). Some of these topics include the positive impacts from time spent in nature regarding: ADHD, autism, executive functioning, academic performance, obesity, myopia, depression, anger, cortisol levels, post-operative recovery, socialization, creativity, critical thinking, resiliency, sleep, improved engagement/enthusiasm/behaviour in school, ability to focus, impulse control, reduced stress, cooperative play, reductions in criminal behaviour, and irritability, among many others.

We highly recommend visiting the Children and Nature Network research library. http://www.childrenandnature.org/

Among other resources on that site, there are well-designed and simple posters that you can share with parents about the benefits of nature on academics, health and well being. You can also dig a little deeper and find research that identifies specific ways in which nature has been proven to benefit children, along with the academic sources where that information can be found. Here are some highlights:

Academics

Time spent in nature boosts performance in reading, writing, math, science and social studies

1. Lieberman & Hoody (1998). Closing the achievement gap: Using the environment as an integrating context for learning. Results of a Nationwide Study. San Diego: SEER.

2. Chawla (2015). Benefits of nature contact for children. J Plan Lit, 30(4), 433-452.

3. Berezowitz et al. (2015). School gardens enhance academic performance and dietary outcomes in children. J School Health, 85(8), 508-518.

4. Williams & Dixon (2012). Impact of garden-based learning on academic outcomes in schools: Synthesis of research between 1990 and 2010. Rev Educ Res, 83(2), 211-235.

5. Wells et al. (2015). The effects of school gardens on children's science knowledge: A randomized controlled trial of low-income elementary schools. Int J Sci Edu, 37(17), 2858-2878.

Time spent in nature enhances creativity, critical thinking and problem solving

1. Moore & Wong (1997). Natural Learning: Rediscovering Nature's Way of Teaching. Berkeley, CA: MIG Communications.

Time spent in nature increases focus and attention

1. Faber Taylor et al. (2002). Views of nature and self-discipline: Evidence from inner-city children. J Environ Psy, 22, 49-63.

2. Martensson et al. (2009). Outdoor environmental assessment of attention promoting settings for preschool children. Health Place, 15(4), 1149-1157.

3. Wells (2000). At home with nature effects of "greenness" on children's cognitive functioning. Environ Behav, 32(6), 775-795.

4. Berto et al. (2015). How does psychological restoration work in children? An exploratory study. J Child Adolesc Behav 3(3).

Time spent in nature can decrease ADHD symptoms

1. Faber Taylor et al. (2001). Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings. Environ Behav, 33(1), 54-77.

2. Amoly et al. (2014). Green and blue spaces and behavioural development in Barcelona schoolchidren: The BREATHE Project. Environ Health Perspect, 122, 1351-1358.

Time spent in nature fosters greater engagement with learning

1. Rios & Brewer (2014). Outdoor education and science achievement. Appl Environ Educ Commun, 13(4), 234-240.

Well-being

Time spent in nature increases physical activity

1. Hartig et al. (2014). Nature and health. Annul Rev Publ Health, 35, 207-28.

2. Christian et al. (2015). The influence of the neighbourhood physical environment on early child health and development: A review and call for research. Health Place, 33, 25-36.

Time spent in nature reduces stress, anger and aggression

1. Chawla et al. (2014). Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence. Health Place, 28, 1-13.

2. Roe & Aspinall (2011). The restorative outcomes of forest school and conventional school in young people with good and poor behaviour. Urban For Urban Gree, 10, 205-212.

3. Younan et al. (2016). Environmental determinants of aggression in adolescents: Role of neighbourhood green space. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, 55(7), 591-601.

Time spent in nature leads to improved relationship skills

1. Chawla et al. (2014). Green schoolyards as havens from stress and resources for resilience in childhood and adolescence. Health Place, 28, 1-13.

2. Chawla (2015). Benefits of nature contact for children. J Plan Lit, 30(4), 433-452.

Time spent in nature allows children to better cope with stress

1. Wells & Evans (2003). Nearby nature; A buffer of life stress among rural children. Environ Behav, 35(3), 311-330.

2. Corraliza et al. (2012). Nature as a moderator of stress in urban children. Procedia - Soc Behav Sci, 38, 253-263.