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Back to the roots: How nature influences children's cognitive development

 

In today’s increasingly digital, fast-paced, and urbanized world, many children are losing touch with something essential: nature. And it’s not just about fresh air or pretty landscapes. Science confirms it—daily contact with natural environments transforms childhood development across multiple dimensions.

From Entelekia, where I work through neuroeducation and personalized cognitive development programs, I want to share with you why connecting with nature is much more than a walk in the park.

 

🍃 What happens when children reconnect with the natural world?

🔸 They develop in all areas: intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical. Nature stimulates the brain, the body, and the heart (Kellert, 2005).

🔸 They play better, think better: green spaces encourage creative play, cooperation, and flexible thinking. They're living laboratories for problem-solving (Bell & Dyment, 2006).

🔸 Their focus improves: seeing trees, touching soil, or simply being outdoors boosts attention and cognitive skills (Wells, 2000).

🔸 They perform better in school: nature-based education programs show significant gains in science, language, and math (American Institutes for Research, 2005).

🔸 ADHD symptoms decrease: even in children as young as five, contact with nature reduces hyperactivity and improves self-control (Kuo & Taylor, 2004).

🔸 They move more and better: natural environments invite free movement, active play, and body awareness.

🔸 They eat better: growing their own food motivates children to eat fruits and vegetables and maintain healthy habits long-term (Bell & Dyment, 2008; Morris & Zidenberg-Cherr, 2002).

🔸 Their eyesight improves: spending more time outdoors lowers the risk of myopia in children and teens (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2011).

🔸 They relate better: free play in nature enhances social skills, empathy, and cooperation (Burdette & Whitaker, 2005).

🔸 They self-regulate: green spaces promote inner peace, discipline, and emotional balance—especially in girls (Taylor, Kuo & Sullivan, 2001).

🔸 They experience less stress: environments with plants and natural views significantly reduce childhood stress (Wells & Evans, 2003).

 

🌱 At Entelekia, I integrate these principles into our personalized programs for children, teens, and adults. Because learning also means reconnecting with what truly matters.

 

📩 Want to explore how these benefits could support your family? Reach out and let's design a plan together.

 

Referencias:

Children and Nature Network. (2007). www.childrenandnature.org/research/ Annotated Bibliographies of Research and Studies, Volumes 1 and 2.