Nature and childhood
Whether a trip to the forest, playing in the park or taking care of houseplants together: Children can gain valuable experiences when they spend time in nature. They learn skills that are important for their upbringing and their personal development.
Nature as a development space
To grow up, children need an environment where they can gain a variety of experiences. In nature, they can discover, design and pay attention to plants and animals. Neither specific skills nor prior knowledge are necessary for this. Your child can explore nature with all their senses by seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and tasting. Experiences in nature promote your child's social, emotional and mental development.
Explore, discover and learn
Children can live out their fantasies and creativity as well as develop their curiosity. They learn how the world around them works through playing. By climbing a tree or rolling off the hill, your child learns how to assess and develop their skills. They also develop self-confidence and learn that they can change things themselves. Your child develops many skills that are important in later years. Playing in nature gives children better sleep, a stronger immune system and greater balance.
Discover nature at home
But nature-related topics also promote development in your own living space. Your child can watch a plant grow, discover animals and plants in books or recreate natural areas with building blocks. All this promotes curiosity and gives your child the joy of learning and thinking.
Nature for childhood
In nature, children can satisfy their developmental drive as well as get excited about discovering and understanding the world. Nature looks different for every age group. As a result, respond to your child's needs and curiosity.
Discover nature through play – examples
- observing animals in the area
- splashing in rain puddles
- picking dandelions or daisies
- collecting natural objects such as sticks, leaves or chestnuts together
More information and tips:
- Heat - If you are going on an outdoor trip in the summer, pay attention to the heat recommendations for protecting babies and small children.
- Spiel in der Natur - Elternbildung
- Bewegung im Erlebnisraum Natur - Elternbildung
- Experimente für Kinder - Stiftung Kinder forschen