The Benefits of Connecting with Nature in Early Childhood
The many benefits of connecting with and learning in nature for young children include:
1. Cognitive and Creative Development: Natural settings encourage children’s curiosity and problem-solving, and provide open-ended environments in which children can explore, experiment, and imagine. Interacting with elements like rocks, leaves, and water, supports their sensory learning, and strengthens cognitive skills and language development. Open, unstructured play in nature fosters creativity, allowing children to invent games and stories inspired by the natural world.
2. Emotional Wellbeing and Resilience: Spending time outdoors can be calming for children and reduce stress and anxiety and promote emotional regulation. Nature play also supports to children to be adventurous and to test their skills through activities such as climbing, balancing, creating with natural materials and navigating different and uneven surfaces. This type of play nurtures children’s independence and builds their confidence, as well as teaching resilience and adaptability, essential life skills that support mental health and wellbeing.
3. Physical Health and Motor Skills: Natural environments encourage physical movement which help build children’s strength, coordination, and gross motor skills, and create healthy habits for movement and physical activity.
4. Social and Cultural Connection: Nature play in shared spaces promotes cooperation and communication among children, helping them to grow their social, play and communication skills. Nature play also provides opportunities to learn about caring for ecosystems and respecting First Nations knowledge and culture, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging.
5. Lifelong Environmental Stewardship: Early experiences in nature lay the foundation for children’s future environmental awareness—children who feel connected to the natural world are more likely to grow into adults who value sustainability and conservation and appreciate the diversity of nature and its creatures.
At The Infants’ Home we have always been fortunate to have had access to many onsite natural learning spaces for our children. However, the opening of the outdoor classroom in early 2026 will take our children’s opportunities to connect with and learn in nature to the next level, enriching their learning and wellbeing and shaping confident, creative, and caring individuals.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.