Kay Miller is the MD and co-founder of The Den Kit Co. She left her post as Head Teacher of a rural Shropshire primary school (where she also qualified as a forest school practitioner) to concentrate on growing our beloved brand.
‘Play is the highest form of research’ (Albert Einstein) – Play is so vital for a healthy childhood that it is enshrined as a human right* and yet the latest research suggests that many children spent *less* time playing outside during lockdown than ever before – resulting in the least fit generation of children in history. In addition to the impact on physical health, this loss of outdoor play is having an impact on our children’s mental health – their happiness and well-being. If we are to truly recover from the pandemic, this mental impact must be addressed.
As educational practitioners, we all know how, given the choice, the majority of children in our care would spend their entire day in an outdoor play-space – whatever the weather. Our early years classroom had an outdoor/indoor policy and 90% of our children would spend their time outside. They voted with their feet.
As children get older and don’t have the option of indoor/outdoor, you only have to hear the audible roar as they charge into the playground at break time to know how much they need to be outside. A natural outdoor environment provides a continuously evolving and changing space to explore. Seasons come and go, the weather varies, shadows, seed heads, puddles, ice can appear and disappear rapidly. Children love this unstructured environment where, un- governed by adults, they can try things out, take risks, make mistakes and their own decisions.
And it’s official. Considerable research shows evidence that children’s mental health and wellbeing is enhanced by spending time outdoors. A connection to nature is a basic human need, boosting overall health and well-being. ‘Modern life has created a distance between humans and nature that now we’re realising isn’t good in a whole host of ways.’ (Gretel Van Wieren – Michigan State University).
A regular and sustained dose of nature:
1. Reduces stress levels
Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD in ‘4 Ways Going Outside Can Improve Your Mental Health, According to Research’ reported that salivary cortisol levels (the natural chemical found in your body that is associated with stress), significantly decreased when time was spent in nature, with the greatest impact coming from spending 20 to 30 minutes outside. Her research suggests that exposure to green space appears to increase parasympathetic nervous activity. This is the system that “undoes” the cause of stress caused by the sympathetic nervous system. Not only does this exposure result is in a sense of calmness, but also lowers heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Encourages exercise
For children, being outside in nature is a major motivating factor for physical activity. Climbing, rolling, running, bending, stretching, balancing are just a few examples of the exercise the nature gym will encourage. Exercise not only develops muscle, strength and a healthy heart and circulation, but also releases endorphins, which boost mood. Outdoor exercise leaves children feeling rejuvenated, both mentally and physically – and the effect of exercise on worry and anxiety is rapid and effective.
3. Improves mood and diminishes worry
Spending time in nature helps minds rest by allowing presence in the moment. Exposure to natural light stimulates the body’s serotonin, which plays a key role in boosting mood. Studies show that human brains have higher levels of serotonin on bright, and sunny days regardless of temperature.
‘…with increased contact with nature the brain can be restored from fatigue and so reduce many unwanted symptoms such as impulsive behaviour, irritability, and aggression. Bird (2004); Pretty et al (2009) Every child Outdoors RSPB.
4. Facilitates improved sleeping patterns
Going outside in the daylight suppresses the production of melatonin – because sunlight regulates circadian rhythms to align with our body’s internal clock. The result is that spending time outside in natural light helps to keep us awake and alert during the day, which makes it easier to go to sleep at night and enjoy better sleep.
5. Provides big doses of the Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and a strong immune system and low levels of Vitamin D have been associated with low mood and worry.
When there are as many constraints on the modern family as there are now, educators have so many responsibilities to nurture the children in their care – and the outdoors is a great place to exploit. Children can play freely, keep healthy, develop a sense of self in their world and learn about the natural world around them. But most of all outdoors is great fun. Building a den, rolling down a grassy bank, making daisy chains, climbing trees, playing football – so many opportunities for good mental health, joyful play, and a happy, memorable childhood. And you don’t need a lesson plan to enable it either (phew)!
We have worked in collaboration with The Den Kit Company and stock their three engaging outdoor den kits, exclusive to TTS. They are specifically designed to support a hands-on learning experience and wellbeing outdoors. The collections are perfect for encouraging collaboration and igniting imaginations as children create immersive learning environments outdoors.
Article written by Kay Miller
Managing Director - The Den Kit Company
