Why is Exposure to Nature Important in Early Childhood?

Early childhood is a crucial period for the physical and cognitive development of children. People who work with young children—both formal and non-formal educators, preschool and nature center directors, school administrators and decision-makers, as well as other community leaders—might realize that the children in their care benefit from interactions with nature, but they might not have ready access to the literature that supports their observations. This publication reviews some of the literature and shows that young children need to go outside and be around nature regularly, describes some of the benefits children—and adults!—gain from learning and playing outdoors, and suggests several resources for parents, teachers, and caretakers who hope to increase these opportunities for their youngsters.