People need nature – really need nature, not merely enjoy nature or benefit from nature. Children need experiences with nature just as they need sleep or healthy food.
This radical thought is something I gathered from a great book I’ve recently read — Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. During my time in America, I was able to purchase a lot of books that are listed on my nature study page. Last Child in the Woods was the first one I read. And it didn’t disappoint. I actually read it twice!
If you’re a Charlotte Mason homeschooler or one who simply has an interest in nature studies, you really should find a copy of this book.
According to Louv, nature offers all of these benefits:
- Emotional well being
- Spiritual sense of perspective
- Observation skills
- Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Healthy risk taking
- Observation skills
- Balanced sense of humility
- Stress management
- Increased attention
- Lowered depression
How can nature offer all of these advantages? What happens if we don’t get this needed nature time? For more about this book, read my complete book summary and critique.
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