This school year will certainly be like no
other we have experienced. If you are one of the many families who have opted
for online learning for your kids this fall, then you are probably feeling a
bit uneasy about what lies ahead. We are hoping for the best and that our kids stay
happy, healthy, and engaged.
However,
sitting all day staring at screens can take a toll on their physical and mental
health. Physicians recommend paying attention to posture and taking breaks to
stretch and move around, but there is also another incredible way to balance
our kids’ screen-based school day—nature.
Here are some fun, simple ways to add a bit of
nature to your children’s school day to help them feel happier and calmer:
Decorate Their
Workspace With Nature Imagery
Your kids don’t even have to leave their chair
to experience a burst of nature when they look up from their computer
throughout the day. Just gazing at pictures of
gorgeous nature scenes like beaches, forests, or snow-topped mountains can
spark a sense of tranquility and wonder. Consider hanging some nature
photography or paintings in their workspace or keeping several inspiring nature
photography books around like Ansel Adams’ collections for them to look at when
they need to recharge.
Show Awe-Filled
Nature Videos
Have you ever been to a doctor’s office that
has a video of nature scenes playing in the waiting room? Catching a glimpse of
nature’s beauty can bring a healthy distraction to an otherwise stressful
situation. You can also incorporate this tactic into your children’s workspace
by having them take a video break to watch something that calms and inspires
them, such as a rushing stream flowing over rocks, wildlife in their natural
habitats, or sunrises and sunsets. Some of my favorites are the time-lapse
videos that show flowers blooming or the seasons changing.
READ MORE: Getting kids to bond with nature
Play Relaxing
Nature Sounds
Listening to nature sounds can also help your
children relax and improve mood. One study found that those who listened to ocean waves had considerably lower muscle
tension, heart rates, and stress. Decide which sounds bring your children the
most joy and be sure to intersperse them throughout their day. Some will have
nature sounds along with music in the background and others will just be the
sounds of nature. There are tons of apps that you can explore to help you find
soothing nature sounds.
Read Nature
Stories and Poetry
Another simple way to add some nature to your
children’s day is to encourage them to read a piece of literature, poetry, or an article about nature that inspires them. The more vivid
and descriptive, the better. Whether they love reading biographies of nature
heroes like Jane Goodall or descriptive poetry about the beauty of nature, they
will feel better after they take that reading break. Some other ideas include
reading about scientific discoveries, animal behavior, or incredible places to
visit.
Take A Quick
Field Trip
It’s important to take time away from the
intensity of the school day to help your kids recharge so they can come back
inspired and ready to work again the next day. You are probably wondering: how
can I take my kids on a field trip in the middle of a pandemic? Fortunately,
there are plenty of places to visit safely, especially outdoors.
Carve out some time after school to get away
to places that fill your family with a sense of peace and relaxation. Some
ideas include parks, botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, nature centers,
wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and fountains. Depending on where you live,
maybe you can head over to the beach or a lake to enjoy the sights and sounds
of the water. Even a quick walk around your neighborhood keeping an eye out for
wildlife or attractive gardens can lead to some nature-filled moments. Enjoy!
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