2016-03-10

3/10:Every Day. Three Hours. Under the Sky!

Every Day. Three Hours. Under the Sky!

It has been wonderful to notice more and more articles on the virtues of (especially) children learning and growing in nature. This great article promotes a challenge to spend at least 3 hours per day outside: 
http://www.childrenandnature.org/2016/01/22/a-clear-vision-why-children-need-to-be-taught-outdoors-and-how-to-do-it/

‘according to Ian Morgan, a researcher at the Australian National University in Canberra, “children need to spend around three hours per day under light levels of at least 10,000 lux to be protected against myopia.”'

This morning, like almost every morning, we woke at dawn and went to the beach. 

For at least 2 hours before they go to school, Pacha and Yani are immersed in the ocean, bathed in the dawn light, bowing to the pulsing energy of the waves. I walk or run along the beach. sit and watch them in their salty dance and breathe in the hope and potential of a brand new day. 

They enter the classroom every day with wet hair and full concentration. Their body and soul replete - their brains are ready to take in information. 

We are so very lucky to live where we live - but anywhere and everywhere there are ways to make sure time outside takes a priority. walking, running, climbing, gardening, cycling…the possibilities are endless.

Even better, imagine the education system incorporating more time outside to learn? Hopefully, as more teachers see the benefits in the mental, physical and academic health of the kids who spend more time in nature, things will begin to change...




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