This school year will certainly be like no other we have experienced. If you are one of the many families like mine who have opted for online learning for your kids this fall, then you are probably feeling a bit uneasy about what lies ahead. We are hoping for the best and that our kids stay happy, healthy, and engaged.
However, sitting all day staring at screens can take a toll on their physical and mental health. Physicians recommend paying attention to posture and taking breaks to stretch and move around, but there is also another incredible way to balance our kids’ screen-based school day—nature.
Here are some fun, simple ways to add a bit of nature to your children’s school day to help them feel calmer and happier:
Decorate Their Workspace With Nature Imagery
Your kids don’t even have to leave their chair to experience a burst of nature when they look up from their computer throughout the day. Just gazing at pictures of gorgeous nature scenes like beaches, forests, or snow-topped mountains can spark a sense of tranquility and wonder. Consider hanging some nature photography or paintings in their workspace or keeping several inspiring nature photography books around like Ansel Adams’ collections for them to look at when they need to recharge. Get more ideas about nature decor that your kids will love.
Show Awe-Filled Nature Videos
Have you ever been to a doctor’s office that has a video of nature scenes playing in the waiting room? Catching a glimpse of nature’s beauty can bring a healthy distraction to an otherwise stressful situation. You can also incorporate this tactic into your children’s workspace by having them take a video break to watch something that calms and inspires them, such as a rushing stream flowing over rocks, wildlife in their natural habitats, or sunrises and sunsets. Some of my favorites are the time-lapse videos that show flowers blooming or the seasons changing.
Play Relaxing Nature Sounds
Listening to nature sounds can also help your children relax and improve mood. One study found that those who listened to ocean waves had considerably lower muscle tension, heart rates, and stress. Decide which sounds bring your children the most joy and be sure to intersperse them throughout their day. Some will have nature sounds along with music in the background and others will just be the sounds of nature. There are tons of apps that you can explore to help you find soothing nature sounds.
Read Nature Stories and Poetry
Another simple way to add some nature to your children’s day is to encourage them to read a piece of literature, poetry, or an article about nature that inspires them. The more vivid and descriptive, the better. Whether they love reading biographies of nature heroes like Jane Goodall or descriptive poetry about the beauty of nature, they will feel better after they take that reading break. Some other ideas include reading about scientific discoveries, animal behavior, or incredible places to visit.
Take A Quick Field Trip
It’s important to take time away from the intensity of the school day to help your kids recharge so they can come back inspired and ready to work again the next day. You are probably wondering: how can I take my kids on a field trip in the middle of a pandemic? Fortunately, there are plenty of places to visit safely, especially outdoors. Carve out some time after school to get away to places that fill your family with a sense of peace and relaxation. Some ideas include parks, botanical gardens, sculpture gardens, nature centers, wildlife refuges, hiking trails, and fountains. Depending on where you live, maybe you can head over to the beach or a lake to enjoy the sights and sounds of the water. Even a quick walk around your neighborhood keeping an eye out for wildlife or attractive gardens can lead to some nature-filled moments. Enjoy!
How will you tap into nature to reduce the stress of online learning for your kids?
Great article! It’s so true the anxiety and uncertainty around online schooling is on the rise. You have some great tips to deal with that. Nature heals the soul imo and is the best thing for our kids.
these are wonderful tips!
I seriously believe that so much thought has gone into writing this post.
I specially love the Decorate Their Workspace With Nature Imagery tip.
thanks for sharing!
These are some interesting nature ideas I hadn’t thought of even to incorporate for stressed out adults working. I might try listening to some nature tunes while working away.
I try to make sure that after school my kids get outside. We are in California where some of the wildfires are so right now it’s hard.
I think I’m going to try to play some calming music while the kids read today. I know I could use it even if they don’t need it.
Sorry to hear about the fires. Stay safe.
I live alone but being outside, surrounded by nature, make me feel better.
All of these are great ideas especially having nature photos to look at. It’s so relaxing to be surrounded by nature especially while learning. I also find calming music helps me concentrate too. Thank you for the tips.
Love these ideas, especially the thought of a field trip. Will definitely use! Thank you.
These are terrific ideas to use nature to break up the monotony of online learning . Thank you for sharing these tips.
I love the idea of adding in nature sounds! This is something I commonly did as an intervention specialist in my K-2 classroom. I know the kids really enjoyed it.
Great tips! Nature is such a soothing thing that’s so easy to take for granted yet so beneficial to incorporate into our every lives with intention
These are all great ideas. I think it’s really important to take breaks when working and learning from home because otherwise, it seems like you never leave. Using nature is a great way to do this.
Love the idea of playing nature sounds in the background! I myself love to listen to the sound of waves when I’m feeling stressed.
my kids are going back to school in a hybrid model. Some days they’ll be in school, some days they will be out of school. I’m so grateful that our school is located on what is basically a nature preserve and that they get outside as much as possible.
I am hoping that the online learning environment will encourage more parents to incorporate nature into their daily routines with their children. It will help to foster a respect for the world around us that has been missing largely in our current society. It’s far from the ideal situation, but this is a chance to try to make the most of the cards that we’ve been dealt right now. Right?
Great tips here, schools should implement them too! The current learning system is disconnected from nature which is a shame.
Very good tips!
Especially given the currrent circumstances making us spend even more time inside which is definitely not good for our kids’ mental health!
My son is only a year old so I dont have to worry about the school part, but he loves playing outside and I love it! I want him to enjoy being outside rather than watching TV or playing video games all day
These are all ideas that are sweet, simple and easy to implement! Nature is the answer to so many problems, right?
There are definitely some nice ideas here. I think taking a mini field trip, even if it’s just in your yard or around the block is vital for the mental and physical health of our kids (and us, too!). And combining learning with nature (or outdoor tasks) is awesome.
Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you
Also the option of online learning sitting outside! Weather permitting. Fresh air can have such a positive mental impact. I can’t image how difficult this must be for everyone involved.
Wonderful tips. Nature is so relaxing.
I’ve been a homeschool mom for 8 years and I still forget how calming it can be to have nature sounds running in the background! Thanks for the reminder!
I love these ideas for days it’s hard to get the kids out of the house or the weather is just too awful to contemplate. I’m a big fan of listening to nature sounds and use them every night to relax and fall asleep.
We put as many plants around our house as we can. This definitely helps with our mood and thus our productivity.
Wonderful ideas for this time. The heat here makes the outside oppressive but I love having a sense of nature around.
Great post. Nature is so nurturing. It is good for the mind and body. Getting out into the forests is best, but bringing the forest to you builds an appreciation for nature and means we are more likely to get out among the trees.
Being outside does wonders for us all, I know I always feel better after a short walk or even just sitting in the garden for ten minutes. So important in these uncertain times!
These are all great ideas and so much needed right now. Thanks
These are some really interesting tips.. thanks for writing this post.
We have 3 in school that just started last week. They are doing in-person and not virtual, but the whole situation has been so nerve-wracking. IMO, anything having to do with nature is always helpful!
Love the idea of taking a break and going outside to reset for the next lesson!
well i have 2 kids in my home after watching this crazy nature video all they say is they wanna go there