Evaluation of Nature 2 Nurture Program- linking nature to health

Rachel Carson contended that developing a “sense of wonder” about nature is crucial for a developing child.  But over the last several decades, the importance of nature to children’s development has been marginalized.  A new program, Nature 2 Nurture, combines the best of science with proven strategies to promote good health and pro-social behavior among children ages 8-10.  The goal of Nature 2 Nurture is to provide these children with the tools of respect, resiliency and resourcefulness.  Through a six-week program that meets for two hours, the children are separated by gender with identical lesson plans that build on knowledge and activities from each week.  Each lesson has two key components: a nature activity and an action plan.  The nature activities include observational hikes and walks, treasure hunts, and semi-structured games.  As part of each week’s activities, there is “a golden moment” where children learn to be silent.  The importance of silence is well documented to “reboot” human brains, to foster creativity, to assist with impulse control, and to heighten awareness. To reinforce the lessons, the children are asked to complete a weekly action plan monitoring goals for the week.  Nature 2 Nurture has been piloted twice at a charter school in a large city, with process and outcome evaluations.  Results suggest that students are able to appreciate time spent in nature, have improved control over their behavior, and enjoyed the activities.  Unintended outcomes included group leaders incorporating activities into their teaching practices at the Charter School.