Nature Deficit Disorder
What Evergreen is doing about “Nature Deficit Disorder”
Children spend an average of 25% of their school day outside. Yet, too often school grounds are windswept, treeless asphalt, concrete, or turf grass surrounded by chain-link fence. The result is what experts are now calling “Nature Deficit Disorder,” based on a growing body of research linking our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature.
Just as children need good nutrition and adequate sleep to be healthy and happy, they need contact with nature. Outdoor classrooms provide students with a healthy, hands-on place to play, learn and develop a genuine respect for nature and each other.
More:
- Learn more about Toyota Evergreen’s Learning Grounds program
