Use of gardening programs as an intervention to increase children’s visual-motor integration

Male preschoolers may respond especially well to gardening programs in developing visual-motor integration

Sommerfeld, A. J., McFarland, A., Waliczek, T. M., Zajicek, J., (2021). Use of gardening programs as an intervention to increase children’s visual-motor integration. HortTechnology, 31(5)

Engaging school and family in Navajo gardening for health: Development of the Yéego intervention to promote healthy eating among Navajo children

Integrating Navajo traditions into the school’s nutrition and gardening lessons may help reduce obesity among Navajo children

Ornelas, I. J., Rudd, K., Bishop, S., Deschenie, D., Brown, E. Fred, Lombard, K., Beresford, S. A. A., (2021). Engaging school and family in Navajo gardening for health: Development of the Yéego intervention to promote healthy eating among Navajo children. Health Behavior and Policy Review, 8(3), 212-222.

Hospitalized children's experience of a Fairy Garden in Northern Thailand

Natural environments can add a humanizing element to the care of hospitalized children

van der Riet, P., Jitsacorn, C., Thursby, P., (2020). Hospitalized children's experience of a Fairy Garden in Northern Thailand. Nursing Open, 7(4), 1081–1092.

Connections, virtues, and meaning‑making: How early childhood educators describe children’s spirituality

Children’s spirituality, as described by early childhood educators, is multilayered and includes building connections, practicing virtues, and making meaning

Mata-McMahon, J., Haslip, M.J., Schein, D.L., (2020). Connections, virtues, and meaning‑making: How early childhood educators describe children’s spirituality. Early Childhood Education Journal, 65, 657-669.

Promoting personal growth in young people experiencing homelessness through an outdoor-based program

A needs-supportive approach to outdoor adventure education can promote personal growth in young people experiencing homelessness

Parry, B. J., Thompson, J. L., Holland, M. J. G., Cumming, J., (2021). Promoting personal growth in young people experiencing homelessness through an outdoor-based program. Journal of Youth Development, 16(5), 157-192.

Participatory school ground design: Play behaviour and student and teacher views of a school ground post-construction

Outdoor school environment projects would do well to involve children throughout the entire design and re-design phases of the project

Kreutz, A., Timperio, A., Veitch, J., (2021). Participatory school ground design: Play behaviour and student and teacher views of a school ground post-construction. Landscape Research, 46(6), 860-877.

Cultivating social capital in diverse, low-income neighborhoods: The value of parks for parents with young children

High-quality parks and safe, walkable, built environments can enhance neighborhood social capital in low-income communities of color

Mullenbach, L. E., Larson, L. R., Floyd, M. F., Marquet, O., Huang, J., Alberico, C., Ogletree, S. S., Hipp, J. A., (2022). Cultivating social capital in diverse, low-income neighborhoods: The value of parks for parents with young children. Landscape and Urban Planning, 219

Growing North Minneapolis: Connecting youth and community through garden-based experiential learning

Youth valued the increased knowledge and social interaction benefits experienced through an urban garden-based program

Rogers, M., Livstrom, L., Roiger, B., Smith, A., (2019). Growing North Minneapolis: Connecting youth and community through garden-based experiential learning. HortTechnology, 30(1)

Neighborhood natural space and the narrowing of socioeconomic inequality in children’s social, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing

The natural environment may benefit less-advantaged children specifically, particularly in the development of prosocial behavior

McCrorie, P., Olsen, J. R., Caryl, F. M., Nicholls, N., Mitchell, R., (2021). Neighborhood natural space and the narrowing of socioeconomic inequality in children’s social, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing. Wellbeing, space and society, 2

Park and neighbourhood environmental characteristics associated with park-based physical activity among children in a high-density city

Neighborhood socioeconomic status moderates the way park and neighborhood environments influence children’s park-based physical activity in a high-density city

Zhang, Ru, Zhang, C., Lai, P. C., Kwan, M., (2022). Park and neighbourhood environmental characteristics associated with park-based physical activity among children in a high-density city. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

Needs and expectations of German and Chinese children for livable urban green spaces revealed by the method of empathy-based stories

Empathy-based stories can be useful for collecting children’s perspectives on urban green spaces across different cultural-geographic contexts

Shu, X., Mesimaki, M., Kotze, J., Wales, M., Xie, L., Benicke, R., Lehvavirta, S., (2022). Needs and expectations of German and Chinese children for livable urban green spaces revealed by the method of empathy-based stories. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 65

Rethinking the distribution of urban green spaces in Mexico City: Lessons from the COVID-19 outbreak

Access to urban green space in Mexico City is linked to the socioeconomic status of the neighborhood

Huerta, C. M., (2022). Rethinking the distribution of urban green spaces in Mexico City: Lessons from the COVID-19 outbreak. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 70

Vegetation cover within and around schools in Santiago de Chile: Are schools helping to mitigate urban vegetation inequalities?

Schools in Santiago, Chile mimic the vegetation inequalities seen throughout the city

Fernández, I.C., Pérez-Silva, R., Villalobos-Araya, E., (2022). Vegetation cover within and around schools in Santiago de Chile: Are schools helping to mitigate urban vegetation inequalities?. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 70

Demographic, social, and environmental factors predicting Danish children’s greenspace use

Access to multiple types of greenspace is a stronger predictor of greenspace use by children than parental support

Arvidsen, J., Schmidt, T., Praestholm, S., Andkjaer, S., Olafsson, A. S., Nielsen, J. V., Schipperijn, J., (2022). Demographic, social, and environmental factors predicting Danish children’s greenspace use. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 66

Children’s emotional experiences in and about nature across temporal–spatial entanglements during digital storying

Engaging children in digital storying can support children in expressing and sharing their emotional experiences.

Byman, J., Kumpulainen, K., Wong, C., Renlund, J., (2022). Children’s emotional experiences in and about nature across temporal–spatial entanglements during digital storying. Literacy, 56(1)

Association between connection to nature and children’s happiness in China: Children’s negative affectivity and gender as moderators

Gender and temperament can influence how and to what extent children benefit from exposure to nature

Cui, W., Yang, Z., (2021). Association between connection to nature and children’s happiness in China: Children’s negative affectivity and gender as moderators. Journal of Happiness Studies, 23, 47-63.

Elevating the role of the outdoor environment for adolescent wellbeing in everyday life

Outdoor environments can promote the mental health of adolescents by supporting physical activity, restoration and social connection

Wales, M., Mårtensson, F., Hoff, E., Jansson, M., (2022). Elevating the role of the outdoor environment for adolescent wellbeing in everyday life. Frontiers in Psychology

Does environmental education benefit environmental outcomes in children and adolescents? A meta-analysis

A synthesis of global research shows that environmental education is effective for children and adolescents, yet little is known about the conditions and approaches that make it effective.

van de Wetering, J., Leijten, P, Spitzer, J., Thomaes, S., (2022). Does environmental education benefit environmental outcomes in children and adolescents? A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Psychology

A comparison of children’s play and non-play behavior before and after schoolyard greening monitored by video observations

Play behavior became more frequent and varied after schoolyard greening

van Dijk-Wesselius, J. E., Maas, J., van Vugt, M., van den Berg, A. E., (2022). A comparison of children’s play and non-play behavior before and after schoolyard greening monitored by video observations. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 80

A systematic review of arts-based interventions delivered to children and young people in nature or outdoor spaces: Impact on nature connectedness, health and wellbeing

Arts-based interventions in nature can increase nature connectivity and improve well-being in children and young people

Moula, Z, Palmer, K., Walshe, N., (2022). A systematic review of arts-based interventions delivered to children and young people in nature or outdoor spaces: Impact on nature connectedness, health and wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology, 13

Patterns of family-based nature activities across the early life course and their association with adulthood outdoor participation and preference

Frequency of family-based nature activities in childhood is related to more time outdoors and a preference for outdoor environments in early adulthood

Izenstark, D., Middaugh, E., (2022). Patterns of family-based nature activities across the early life course and their association with adulthood outdoor participation and preference. Journal of Leisure Research, 53(1), 4-26.

Examining family-based nature activities among Latinx students: Contexts for reinforcing family relationships and cultural heritage

Outdoor family activities can reinforce Latinx family relationships and cultural heritage

Izenstark, D., Crossman, K. A., Middaugh, E., (2021). Examining family-based nature activities among Latinx students: Contexts for reinforcing family relationships and cultural heritage. Annals of Leisure Research

Nature exposure and use of open spaces in three generation families: Implications for planning

Family is a strong determinant of open space use

Freeman, C., Buttery, Y., van Heezik, Y., (2022). Nature exposure and use of open spaces in three generation families: Implications for planning. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 65(4), 562-582.

Restoring connectedness in and to nature: Three Nordic examples of recontextualizing family therapy to the outdoors

Mentalization-based family therapy in outdoor settings may promote family connectedness and connectedness to nature

Mattsson, M., Fernee, C. R., Pärnänen, K., Lyytinen, P., (2022). Restoring connectedness in and to nature: Three Nordic examples of recontextualizing family therapy to the outdoors. Frontiers in Psychology

Connection to nature is predicted by family values, social norms and personal experiences of nature

Exploring family values, social norms, and experiences of nature can enhance connection to nature

Oh, R.R.Y., Fielding, K.S., Nghiem, L.T.P., Chang, C.C., Carrasco, L.R., Fuller, R.A., (2021). Connection to nature is predicted by family values, social norms and personal experiences of nature. Global Ecology and Conservation, 26

Defining a nature-based literacy: A research synthesis review of health-promoting literacies to promote nature engagement

Planning programs around a nature-based literacy framework may promote child health while promoting ecological knowledge and stewardship

Barrette, M., Boyer, W., Naylor, P. J., Harper, N., (2022). Defining a nature-based literacy: A research synthesis review of health-promoting literacies to promote nature engagement. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Park availability, accessibility, and attractiveness in relation to the least and most vulnerable inhabitants

More vulnerable groups live near and have access to parks, but they are less attractive

Biernacka, M., Łasziewicz, E., Kronenberg, J., (2022). Park availability, accessibility, and attractiveness in relation to the least and most vulnerable inhabitants. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 73

Socioeconomic inequality in Scottish children’s exposure to and use of natural space and private gardens, measured by GPS

Ensuring access to natural spaces and private gardens close to home may help limit disparities to nature exposure

Olsen, J. R., Caryl, F. M., McCrorie, P., Mitchell, R., (2022). Socioeconomic inequality in Scottish children’s exposure to and use of natural space and private gardens, measured by GPS. Landscape and Urban Planning, 223

How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments

Different interactional qualities of teachers are needed to support young children's interest in natural elements

Skalstad, I., Munkebye, E., (2022). How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments. Teaching and Teacher Education, 120

Designing public playgrounds for inclusion: A scoping review of grey literature guidelines for Universal Design

Designing playgrounds for inclusion may require more than a Universal Design approach

Moore, A., Boyle, B., Lynch, H., (2023). Designing public playgrounds for inclusion: A scoping review of grey literature guidelines for Universal Design. Children's Geographies, 21(3), 422-441.

Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development

Nature-specific learning outside the classroom has measurable socio-emotional, academic and wellbeing benefits for school children across all ages

Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., Ward, K., Bentsen, P., Curry, C., Cowper, R., (2022). Getting out of the classroom and into nature: A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning on school children's learning and development. Frontiers in Public Health, 10

Nature-based early childhood education and children’s social, emotional and cognitive development: A mixed-methods systematic review

Nature-based early childhood education may support children’s growth in multiple areas of social, emotional, and cognitive development

Johnstone, A., Martin, A., Cordovil, R., Fjørtoft, I., Iivonen, S., Jidovtseff, B., Lopes, F., Reilly, J. J., Thomson, H., Wells, V., McCrorie, P., (2022). Nature-based early childhood education and children’s social, emotional and cognitive development: A mixed-methods systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19

The impact of screen time and green time on mental health in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Promoting green time, while reducing screen time, can support children’s and adolescents’ mental health

Camerini, A., Albanese, E., Marciano, L., (2022). The impact of screen time and green time on mental health in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 7

Growing up green: A systematic review of the influence of greenspace on youth development and health outcomes

Green space exposure can promote youth development outcomes, but more research is needed in low- and middle-income countries

Sprague, N. L., Bancalari, P., Karim, W., Siddiq, S., (2022). Growing up green: A systematic review of the influence of greenspace on youth development and health outcomes. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

Nature-based instruction for science learning – a good fit for all: A controlled comparison of classroom versus nature

Nature-based instruction supports science learning for all students regardless of socioeconomic status

Faber Taylor, A., Butts-Wilmsmeyer, C., Jordan, C., (2022). Nature-based instruction for science learning – a good fit for all: A controlled comparison of classroom versus nature. Environmental Education Research

How does play in the outdoors afford opportunities for schema development in young children?

Loose parts in an outdoor environment can enhance children’s play and promote their holistic development.

Boulton, P., Thomas, A., (2022). How does play in the outdoors afford opportunities for schema development in young children?. International Journal of Play, 11(2), 184-201.

Greenspace exposure and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in schoolchildren

Greenspace at school is a predictor of lower obsessive-compulsive behaviors in children

Ezpeleta, L., Navarro, J. B., Alonso, L., de la Osa, N., Ambrós, A., Ubalde, M ., Penelo, E., Dadvand, P., (2022). Greenspace exposure and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in schoolchildren. Environment and Behavior, 54(5), 893-916 .

Climate change and child health inequality: A review of reviews

Climate change disproportionately impacts poor countries, poor children within these countries, and low-income populations living near the equator

Arpin, E., Gauffin, K., Kerr, M., Hjern, A., Mashford-Pringle, A., Barros, A., Rajmil, L., Choonara, I., Spencer, N., (2021). Climate change and child health inequality: A review of reviews. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(20)

Educating for resilience: Parent and teacher perceptions of children’s emotional needs in response to climate change

Parents and teachers are concerned about providing appropriate emotional support for children regarding climate change

Baker, C., Clayton, S., Bragg, E., (2021). Educating for resilience: Parent and teacher perceptions of children’s emotional needs in response to climate change. Environmental Education Research, 27(5), 687-705.

Naturally enough? Children, climate anxiety and the importance of hope

A pedagogy of hope encourages and supports children’s climate change activism

Buchanan, J., Pressick-Kilborn, K., Fergusson, J., (2021). Naturally enough? Children, climate anxiety and the importance of hope. The Social Educator, 39(3), 17-31.

A scoping review of climate change, climate-related disasters, and mental disorders among children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

More research is needed to determine how climate change influences mental disorders among children in low- and middle-income countries

Sharpe, I., Davison, C. M., (2022). A scoping review of climate change, climate-related disasters, and mental disorders among children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(5)

From climate change victims to climate change actors: The role of eco-parenting in building mitigation and adaptation capacities in children

Eco-parenting promotes climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities in children

Nche, G. C., Achunike, H. C., Okoli, A. B., (2019). From climate change victims to climate change actors: The role of eco-parenting in building mitigation and adaptation capacities in children. The Journal of Environmental Education, 50(2), 131-144.

Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework

Climate change will have a detrimental direct and indirect impact on children’s health and wellbeing

Helldén, D., Andersson, C., Nilsson, M., Ebi, K. L., Friberg, P., Alfvén, T., (2021). Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health, 5(3), E164-E175.

A systematic review of climate change education: giving children and young people a ‘voice’ and a ‘hand’ in redressing climate change

Providing innovative and participatory approaches for climate change education can empower children and young people

Rousell, D., Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, A., (2020). A systematic review of climate change education: giving children and young people a ‘voice’ and a ‘hand’ in redressing climate change. Children's Geographies, 18(2), 191-208.

“We need to do something about this”: Children and youth’s post-disaster views on climate change and environmental crisis

Experiencing a catastrophic flood increased children and youth’s awareness of environmental problems and pro-environmental behaviors

McDonald-Harker, C., Bassi, E. M., Haney, H. J., (2022). “We need to do something about this”: Children and youth’s post-disaster views on climate change and environmental crisis. Sociological Inquiry, 92(1), 5-33.

Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project

Education outside the classroom can have a positive effect on biological stress regulation

Dettweiler, U., Gerchen, M., Mall, C., Simon, P., Kirsch, P., (2022). Choice matters: Pupils' stress regulation, brain development and brain function in an outdoor education project. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(1), 152-173.

Anxiety and resilience in the face of natural disasters associated with climate change: A review and methodological critique

Anxiety and resilience responses to climate change disasters are influenced by conditions related to the event, the individual, the family, and the community

Chen, S., Bagrodia, R., Pfeffer, C.C., Meli, L., Bonanno, G.A., (2020). Anxiety and resilience in the face of natural disasters associated with climate change: A review and methodological critique. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 76

Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change

Children who become aware of the effects of climate change vicariously can have both maladaptive and adaptive emotional responses

Leger-Goodes, T., Malboeuf-Hurtubise, C., Mastine, T., Généreux, M., Paradis, P-O, Camden, C., (2022). Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change. Frontiers in Psychology

Responding to the impacts of the climate crisis on children and youth

Promoting agency and activism may help children cope with climate change

Sanson, A.V., Van Hoorn, J., Burke, S.E.L., (2019). Responding to the impacts of the climate crisis on children and youth. Child Development Perspectives, 13(4), 201-207.

Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change

Increased engagement with nature and involvement in climate change mitigation are two recommended ways to address climate anxiety

Clayton, S., (2020). Climate anxiety: Psychological responses to climate change. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 74