Relationship to Nature ~ Research Findings

Only a handful of my students had ever been in a wilderness area before. Over the year, I discovered an interesting pattern of progression in my students' relationship to nature. Students new to being in nature acknowledges their increasing comfort level while interacting with their natural surroundings. At the same time, these students began to develop the attitude that being in nature is fun. As their relationship with Hidden Villa developed over the course of our partnership, I was intrigued by the increasing number of students who referred to nature as a place to find peace. I was pleased to notice a definite increase of respect for the environment in my students' conversations, writing, and actions.

Benefits:

• As an environmental educator I believe that it is essential to children's social, emotional and spiritual growth that they are granted the opportunity to develop their own relationship with nature.
• Many students come from stressful environments. When children are encouraged to develop a sense of peace in nature, they can use this relationship as a healthy way to support them through emotionally stressful situations in other areas of their lives.
• To protect our natural environment from further degradation, it is important that our children develop a deep respect for nature, which will compel them to make environmentally sound decisions throughout their lives.

Evidence:

• Find out what kids have to say in their own words. Click on the image below see a short video of student quotes related to this topic. Or, go to the evidence page where you can read a selection of quotes from interviews, surveys and student writing. You can also find links to pages on the HV Classroom Kids website, which my students developed, designed and wrote together as a reflection on their relationship with Hidden Villa.