Objective of the Conference
Many thought leaders and educationists would agree that all of us, children as well as adults will benefit from connecting to Nature, living a lifestyle that values Nature more. In addition, today there is increasing scientific research as well, that makes it clear that children need Nature for multiple reasons, not only for their physical and mental health, but also to improve their cognitive and creative abilities as well as their socio-emotional and personal growth.
It is also becoming increasingly clear that it is essential to foster future generations who have a greater connect with Nature and a greater willingness to engage in climate action and practices for sustainability. What the world needs more than ever before are custodians and stewards of nature! It has become an imperative in times of acute climate crisis and nature disconnect.
The purpose of this conference is to create a space for parents, educators and school administrators to share research findings and nature education practices and join a movement to include Nature education sessions in schools to care for the future of our children and the future of our planet.
Perspective of living processes today:
Nature may seem slower, less stimulating and interesting to a child who has got used to the supernormal stimuli of video games, social media, internet or junk food. And children are spending much more time indoors than outdoors. This could be due to various reasons – modern technology, urban living with little or no suitable outdoor spaces, parental fears of diseases and other dangers, schools having limited open and natural spaces etc.
Also, excessive screen time and addiction to social media has been accepted as one of the major problems that needs to be addressed if we are to focus on preventive health and better mental and physical wellbeing.
While one cannot escape technology today as it has permeated in all spheres of our lives, the world has been waking up through various means to deal with significant issues created by technology and modern civilisation. On the one hand small scale endeavours have been mushrooming through alternative schools, therapy centres etc.; there are innumerable research findings and studies that have been published for awareness creation and hopefully, action by the public and policy makers.
Adding to this crisis of addictions, industrialisation and modern education, our very socio-economic paradigm has made humans distance themselves from Nature as a way of life. This is a severe problem for the human condition since Nature can be a great healer and a way to mitigate the problems of screen time for children. We are at a juncture when it is crucial to bring a balance between screen time and green time.
The Solution: How can schools, educators and parents be involved?
There is also a large body of research that confirms the positive effects of spending time in Nature and being involved in Nature related activities. There is research about how outdoor learning boosts confidence, motivation, physical and social skills, ability to cooperate and empathise with others etc. There are also studies on how green spaces positively affect cellular health as well as mental health and make our immune systems more robust.
Nature also enlivens the senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. It enhances the ability to observe, focus and pay attention to minor details. Most of all, children learn to be happy in Nature. And being in Nature is the only way to kindle our deep and inherent connection with Nature – which may be our best hope that they will care for Nature and hence be good stewards of ecosystems near them in the future.
Since children’s learning during the first 10 years and their teenage years can be undeniably crucial, parents and schools including activities that help them value and connect with Nature can be of fundamental importance.
A few pioneers in the area of Nature education for children will be sharing their thoughts and experiences on the way forward during this conference.
