‘It’s not for people like (them)’: structural and cultural barriers to children and young people engaging with nature outside schooling

Structural and cultural barriers hinder the engagement of children and youth with nature outside of school time

Waite, S., Husain, F., Scandone, B., Forsyth, E., Piggott, H., (2021). ‘It’s not for people like (them)’: structural and cultural barriers to children and young people engaging with nature outside schooling. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Utilising the community cultural wealth framework to explore Sierra Leonean parents’ experiences of outdoor adventure education in the United Kingdom

Drawing on families' lived experiences and assets may promote more inclusive outdoor adventure education programming

Cook, R., (2021). Utilising the community cultural wealth framework to explore Sierra Leonean parents’ experiences of outdoor adventure education in the United Kingdom. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Public space and urban resilience: Children's perspectives. The case of the hills of Valparaíso, Chile

Children’s inclusion and participation in public spaces can promote urban resilience during natural disasters

Caro, M. S., Canales, J. L., Guéguen, A. E., (2022). Public space and urban resilience: Children's perspectives. The case of the hills of Valparaíso, Chile. Children's Geographies, 20(2), 206-219.

Increased exposure to nature reduces elementary students’ anxiety

A nature-based guidance program was effective at reducing anxiety among third grade students

Rıan, S. W., Coll, K. M., (2021). Increased exposure to nature reduces elementary students’ anxiety. Ecopsychology

Back to nature: Norwegians sustain increased recreation use of urban green space months after the COVID-19 outbreak

Increased time in Oslo green spaces during COVID is sustained post-lockdown

Venter, Z. S., Barton, B. N., Gundersen, V., Figari, H., Nowell, M. S., (2021). Back to nature: Norwegians sustain increased recreation use of urban green space months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214

Effects of nature-based group art therapy programs on stress, self-esteem and changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities

Nature-based group art therapy has a positive effect on siblings of children with disabilities

Kang, S., Kim, H., Baek, K., (2021). Effects of nature-based group art therapy programs on stress, self-esteem and changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) in non-disabled siblings of children with disabilities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18

Enhancing nature connection and positive affect in children through mindful engagement with natural environments

Nature-focused mindfulness activities can promote children’s nature connection and affective wellbeing

Barrable, A., Booth, D., Adams, D., Beachamp, G., (2021). Enhancing nature connection and positive affect in children through mindful engagement with natural environments. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18

Making nature explicit in children's drawings of wellbeing and happy spaces

Connectedness to nature for children living in areas of high deprivation tend to be an “implicit sense” versus explicitly understood

Moula, Z., Walshe, N., Lee, E., (2021). Making nature explicit in children's drawings of wellbeing and happy spaces. Child Indicators Research

Educators' intentions for learning in virtual school garden exchanges: A comparison with the aims of education for sustainable development

Virtual school garden exchange offers an approach to education for sustainable development that uses technology to support global partnerships

Lochner, J., (2021). Educators' intentions for learning in virtual school garden exchanges: A comparison with the aims of education for sustainable development. Environmental Education Research, 27(8), 1172-1191.

The outcomes of nature-based learning for primary school aged children: A systematic review of quantitative research

A systematic review of the literature highlights the potential positive impact of nature-based learning for primary school aged children

Miller, N. C., Kumar, S., Pearce, K. L., Baldock, K. L., (2021). The outcomes of nature-based learning for primary school aged children: A systematic review of quantitative research. Environmental Education Research, 27(8), 1115-1140.

"Super stoked girls" - a discourse analysis of girls' participation in freeride skiing

Outdoor adventure sports can be personally and socially transformative for females

Malterud, L., Engelsrud, G., Vereide, V., (2021). "Super stoked girls" - a discourse analysis of girls' participation in freeride skiing. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

How perceived sensory dimensions of urban green spaces are associated with teenagers’ perceived restoration, stress, and mental health?

The perceived sensory dimensions of nature, refuge, and prospect in urban environments are positively linked to teen mental health

Akpinar, A., (2021). How perceived sensory dimensions of urban green spaces are associated with teenagers’ perceived restoration, stress, and mental health?. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214

Beyond physical activity: The importance of play and nature-based play spaces for children's health and development

The thoughtful design of outdoor playspaces incorporating natural elements can encourage more diverse play

Herrington, S., Brussoni, M., (2015). Beyond physical activity: The importance of play and nature-based play spaces for children's health and development. Current Obesity Reports, 4, 477-483.

Planting the seeds for nature-based learning: Impacts of a farm- and nature-based early childhood education program

Nature- and farm-based preschool programs have the potential to positively impact children and their families.

Rymanowicz, K., Hetherington, C., Larm, B., (2020). Planting the seeds for nature-based learning: Impacts of a farm- and nature-based early childhood education program. The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 8(1), 44-63.

Tree canopy coverage predicts lower conduct problem severity in children with ASD

Heavier community tree canopy predicts lower conduct problem severity in children with autism

Barger, B., Larson, L. R., Ogletree, S., Torquati, J., Rosenberg, S., Gaither, C. J., Bartz, J. M., Gardner, A., Moody, E., (2020). Tree canopy coverage predicts lower conduct problem severity in children with ASD. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 13(1), 43-61.

Is play a choice? Application of the capabilities approach to children with disabilities on the school playground

Focusing on capabilities versus deficits may enhance the play experiences of children with disabilities on the school playground

Sterman, J. J., Naughton, G. A., Bundy, A. C., Froude, E., Villeneuve, M. A., (2020). Is play a choice? Application of the capabilities approach to children with disabilities on the school playground. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 24(6), 579-596.

A dog-assisted reading programme's unanticipated impact in a special education classroom

A dog-assisted reading program can promote positive behaviors and academic outcomes for students with special educational needs

Kirnan, J., Shah, S., Lauletti, C., (2020). A dog-assisted reading programme's unanticipated impact in a special education classroom. Educational Review, 72(2), 196-219.

Nature connection in early childhood: A quantitative cross-sectional study

Attending a nature nursery is associated with higher nature connection

Barrable, A., Booth, D., (2020). Nature connection in early childhood: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Sustainability, 12(375)

Developing connections between healthy living and environmental sustainability concepts in Cretan preschool children: A randomized trial

Teacher-designed activities help preschoolers understand connections between healthy living and environmental sustainability

Kornilaki, E. N., Skouteris, H., Morris, H., (2021). Developing connections between healthy living and environmental sustainability concepts in Cretan preschool children: A randomized trial. Early Child Development and Care

The effectiveness of an outdoor adventure programme for young children with autism spectrum disorder: A controlled study

Outdoor adventure programs can reduce severity of autism symptoms and promote social communication skills in young children with autism spectrum disorder

Zachor, D. A., Vardi, S., Baron-Eitan, S., Brodal-Meir, M., Ginossar, N., Ben-Itzchak, E., (2017). The effectiveness of an outdoor adventure programme for young children with autism spectrum disorder: A controlled study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 59(5), 550-556.

Supporting school readiness naturally: Exploring executive function growth in nature preschools

Children attending nature preschool showed growth in executive function skills beyond what would be expected in typically developing children

Zamzow, J., Ernst, J., (2020). Supporting school readiness naturally: Exploring executive function growth in nature preschools. The International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 7(2), 6-16.

Norwegian kindergarten children’s knowledge about the environmental component of sustainable development

Norwegian kindergarten children demonstrate knowledge about sustainable development

Melis, C., Wold, P., Bjørgen, K., Moe, B., (2020). Norwegian kindergarten children’s knowledge about the environmental component of sustainable development. Sustainability, 12, 1-16.

Exploring access to nature play in urban parks: Resilience, sustainability, and early childhood

Access and proximity to nature play in urban parks may promote young children’s resilience and community sustainability

Beery, T., (2020). Exploring access to nature play in urban parks: Resilience, sustainability, and early childhood. Sustainability, 12, 1-17.

Contributions to sustainability through young children's nature play: A systematic review

Nature play is a valid contributor to sustainability outcomes

Ernst, J., McAllister, K., Siklander, P., Storli, R., (2021). Contributions to sustainability through young children's nature play: A systematic review. Sustainability, 13, 1-36.

Babies and toddlers outdoors: A narrative review of the literature on provision for under twos in ECEC settings

Dominant contemporary narratives in the literature tend to exclude infants and toddlers from the outdoors

Kemp, K., Josephidou, J., (2021). Babies and toddlers outdoors: A narrative review of the literature on provision for under twos in ECEC settings. Early Years

From boats to bushes: Environmental elements supportive of children’s sociodramatic play outdoors

Specific features of outdoor spaces support greater frequency and complexity of preschoolers’ sociodramatic play

Robertson, N., Morrissey, A., Moore, D., (2019). From boats to bushes: Environmental elements supportive of children’s sociodramatic play outdoors. Children's Geographies

Contact with nature in educational settings might help cognitive functioning and promote positive social behaviour

Contact with nature during childcare might promote young children’s cognitive functioning, affective state, and social interaction

Carrus, G., Passiatore, Y., Pirchio, S., Scopelliti, M., (2015). Contact with nature in educational settings might help cognitive functioning and promote positive social behaviour. Psyecology, 6(2), 191-212.

Outdoor education in Italian kindergartens: How teachers perceive child developmental trajactories

Outdoor education activities seem to offer greater opportunities than indoor activities for promoting young children’s development

Agostini, F., Minelli, M., Mandolesi, R., (2018). Outdoor education in Italian kindergartens: How teachers perceive child developmental trajactories. Frontiers in Psychology, 9

Early childhood environmental education: A systematic review of the research literature

Review of the early childhood environmental education literature presents overwhelmingly strong evidence of positive child development and environmental outcomes

Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., (2020). Early childhood environmental education: A systematic review of the research literature. Educational Research Review, 31

Physical activity and sedentary time during childcare outdoor play sessions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

While young children are more active outdoors vs indoors at center-based childcare, providing more natural environments may help children reach more acceptable physical activity levels

Truelove, S., Bruijns, B. A., Vanderloo, L. W., O'Brien, K. T., Johnson, A. M., Tucker, P., (2018). Physical activity and sedentary time during childcare outdoor play sessions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine, 108, 74-85.

Children's agency and action in nature preschool: A tale of two programs

Young children, with support of early childhood educators, have the ability to be meaningfully involved in ecologically sustainable practices

Konerman, R., Elliott, S., Pugh, R., Luthy, T., Carr, V., (2021). Children's agency and action in nature preschool: A tale of two programs. Children, Youth and Environments, 31(2), 139-150.

Exploring geographical, curricular, and demographic factors of nature use by children in urban schoolyards in Raleigh, NC, USA

Simply providing nature-rich areas in schoolyards cannot guarantee the use of natural spaces by children and teachers

Zhang, Z., Stevenson, K. T., Martin, K. L., (2021). Exploring geographical, curricular, and demographic factors of nature use by children in urban schoolyards in Raleigh, NC, USA. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 65

Children's involvement in free play and the use of play materials in the outdoor early childhood education and care environment

Children’s involvement in outdoor play increases when they can easily access a variety of natural and other types of open-ended materials

Storli, R., Sandseter, E.B.H., Sando, O.J., (2020). Children's involvement in free play and the use of play materials in the outdoor early childhood education and care environment. Children, Youth and Environments, 30(1), 66-82.

Everyday learning opportunities of young children with and without developmental disabilities or delays

Young children with disabilities have similar learning opportunities as typically developing peers

Dunst, C., (2020). Everyday learning opportunities of young children with and without developmental disabilities or delays. International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, 7(3), 23-41.

Nature and children's health: A systematic review

Positive associations between nature contact and children’s health supports advocacy for equitable nature access

Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., Hazlehurst, M. F., Perrins, S. P., Bratman, G. N., Thomas, R., Garrett, K. A., Hafferty, K. R., Cullaz, T. M., Marcuse, E. K., Tandon, P. S., (2021). Nature and children's health: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4)

Finnish student teachers’ ideas of outdoor learning

Finnish student teachers’ ideas align with reforms promoting sustainability and outdoor learning

Ratinen, I., Sarivaara, E., Kuukkanen, P., (2021). Finnish student teachers’ ideas of outdoor learning. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

The paths to connectedness: A review of the antecedents of connectedness to nature

Review of the literature calls for further investigations and the development of theories outlining the formation of nature connectedness

Lengieza, M. L., Swim, J. K., (2021). The paths to connectedness: A review of the antecedents of connectedness to nature. Frontiers in Psychology

Neighborhood, built environment and children's outdoor play spaces in urban Ghana: Review of policies and challenges

Current policy documents impacting urban Ghana fail to address the need for child-friendly spaces to play

Adjei-Boadi, D., Agyei-Mensah, S., Adamkiewicz, G., Rodriguez, J. I., Gemmell, E., Ezzati, M., Baumgartner, J., Owusu, G., (2022). Neighborhood, built environment and children's outdoor play spaces in urban Ghana: Review of policies and challenges. Landscape and Urban Planning, 218

Development and testing of the nature connectedness parental self-efficacy (NCPSE) scale

New tool for assessing parental self-efficacy related to nature connectedness is reliable and valid

Barnes, C., Harvey, C., Holland, C., Wall, S., (2021). Development and testing of the nature connectedness parental self-efficacy (NCPSE) scale. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 63

The importance of recognising and promoting independence in young children: The role of the environment and the Danish forest school approach

The forest school approach reflects theoretical understanding of young learners’ development of independence

Cerino, A., (2021). The importance of recognising and promoting independence in young children: The role of the environment and the Danish forest school approach. Education 3-13, 51(4), 685-694.

Green schoolyard renovations in low‐income urban neighborhoods: Benefits to students, schools, and the surrounding community

Green schoolyards may be “particularly powerful drivers of health equity by promoting well‐being at the level of the individual, school, and community.”

Bohnert, A. M., Nicholson, L. M., Mertz, L., Bates, C. R., Gerstein, D. E., (2021). Green schoolyard renovations in low‐income urban neighborhoods: Benefits to students, schools, and the surrounding community. American Journal of Community Psychology, 1-11.

The secret language of flowers: Insights from an outdoor, arts-based intervention designed to connect primary school children to locally accessible nature

Arts-based activities provide a powerful way to develop an emotional connection to nature

Hallam, J., Gallagher, L., Owen, K., (2022). The secret language of flowers: Insights from an outdoor, arts-based intervention designed to connect primary school children to locally accessible nature. Environmental Education Research, 28(1), 128-145.

Comparing the impact of nature, blended, and traditional preschools on children's resilience: Some nature may be better than none

Preschool nature experiences support young children’s resilience

Ernst, J., Juckett, H., Sobel, D., (2021). Comparing the impact of nature, blended, and traditional preschools on children's resilience: Some nature may be better than none. Frontiers in Psychology, 12

Pedagogies of outdoor spaces: An early childhood educator professional learning journey

Some early childhood educators may need extended professional development to help them appreciate the value of nature-rich environments for young children

Wishart, L., Rouse, E., (2019). Pedagogies of outdoor spaces: An early childhood educator professional learning journey. Early Child Development and Care, 189(14), 2284-2298.

Young children's spirituality: A focus on engaging with nature

Early childhood educators require support and guidance on how to promote children’s spirituality through nature

Robinson, C., (2019). Young children's spirituality: A focus on engaging with nature. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 44(4 ), 339-350.

Spiritual moments making music in nature. A study exploring the experiences of children making music outdoors, surrounded by nature

Music making in nature may help children experience spiritual moments

Adams, D., Beauchamp, G., (2019). Spiritual moments making music in nature. A study exploring the experiences of children making music outdoors, surrounded by nature. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 24(3), 260–275.

The personae of the spiritual child: Taking pictures of the heart using technology and tablets

Engaging children in outdoor photography can provide insights into their spiritual personae

Harris, K., (2018). The personae of the spiritual child: Taking pictures of the heart using technology and tablets. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 23(3), 291–305.

Early childhood educators’ perceptions of nurturing spirituality in secular settings

Early childhood teachers describe a variety of experiences, activities, and strategies to intentionally support children’s spirituality

Mata-McMahon, J., Haslip, M. J., Schein, D. L., (2018). Early childhood educators’ perceptions of nurturing spirituality in secular settings. Early Child Development and Care, 189(14), 2233-2251.

Domains of spirituality and their associations with positive mental health: A study of adolescents in Canada, England and Scotland

Cross-national study finds a strong association between adolescent mental health and all four domains of spiritual health

Michaelson, V., King, N., Inchley, J., Currie, D., Brooks, F., Pickett, W., (2019). Domains of spirituality and their associations with positive mental health: A study of adolescents in Canada, England and Scotland. Preventive Medicine, 125, 12-18.

Equally green? Understanding the distribution of urban green infrastructure across student demographics in four public school districts in North Carolina, USA

Schools can help mitigate environmental injustices suffered by low-income, high minority communities by increasing greenness on their property

Zhang, Z., Martin, K. L., Stevenson, K. T., Yao, Y., (2021). Equally green? Understanding the distribution of urban green infrastructure across student demographics in four public school districts in North Carolina, USA. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 67