Nature Exposure Increases Children's Academic Success, Global Studies Confirm

"Nitin (name changed) has learned to be okay with whatever he has after the trek. His ability to adapt has improved. I feel this is important, as today everything is readily available for children,” shares Ms. Chhaochharia, a parent who sent her son for a Himalayan Summer Camp with InSOUL.

Trekking requires students to pace themselves, live minimally, adapt to discomfort, and cooperate without adult micro-management. It strengthens students’ ability to delay gratification and regulate impulse, which is foundational to learning.

4.  Nature Builds Intrinsic Motivation In Learners

One of the most overlooked challenges in education today is disengagement; children’s overwhelming apathy towards everything in the classroom.

Yet, children in natural settings are measurably more curious, attentive, and interested. As Taylor et al. (2014) explain, natural environments draw children in without overwhelming them. Curiosity returns. Students begin to notice things again.

Children are more attentive outdoors because outdoor learning activates inquiry over obedience. The emphasis is on a state of play over passive absorption of facts. The shift has lasting cognitive impacts on children.

5.  Being Outdoors Makes Children Physically Fit, Which Makes Them Mentally Sharper

We need to retire the idea that movement and learning belong in separate boxes. Unfit bodies have a direct correlation to dull, disengaged minds. 

Studies show that Physical activity in outdoor settings sharpens memory, cognitive flexibility, and focus.

For instance, parents are usually taken aback at how alert their children seem after a trek. “She seems to be physically stronger after the trek, and mentally strong as well. My daughter is expressing herself better and is more conscious about her surroundings,” shares a parent who sent their child for a summer camp with us this year.

Children navigate uneven and tough mountain terrain while trekking. They solve complex problems in groups and observe ecosystems as they walk - all of this, while naturally improving fitness.

How schools in India can bring more nature learning into the curriculum:

• Learn within more green spaces: Even a 30-minute nature walk significantly improves attention spans
• Easy day treks: Reduces academic stress, keeps children active and away from screens, first-hand learning about local ecology and culture
• Nature journalling/sketching: Builds vocabulary, emotional awareness, and attention to detail
• Overnight camping treks: A chance to disconnect from technology, builds collaboration, leadership skills, creativity, and critical thinking in students
• Gentle, guided reflection time in nature/on school grounds: Helps regulate children's emotions, reduces stress, gives children the time to unwind and just be
• Real-world learning of academic subjects on treks: Builds awareness and appreciation of local history and culture, native biodiversity, village life, and indigenous knowledge systems
• Integrate trekking into school curriculum: Builds life skills, strengthens social-emotional learning, leadership skills, and 21st century competencies in children 

Summing up

If your children are struggling with focus or attention, sustained time outdoors seems to be the smartest, most overlooked education tool at your disposal. 

In India, outdoor learning is considered nice to have, therefore, optional. But the National Education Policy 2020 calls for holistic education and 21st-century skill-building in children.

InSOUL believes intentional Nature Learning is among the best ways to achieve 21st century learning outcomes for schools.