Green Spaces In Schools Improve Children’s Memory And Attention
Children today spend less time outdoors
The findings reinforce that of a recent six-year study
“There is an expanding body of scientific evidence linking the human experience in the natural world to better physical and mental health and enhanced cognitive abilities,” journalist Richard Louv, co-founder of the Children Nature Network author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
The new study was conducted on more than 2,500 children in second, third and fourth grade at 36 primary schools in Barcelona, Spain. At the outset of the study and again 12 months later, the children were given computerized tests measuring cognitive functions, including working memory (a measurement of short-term memory) and attentiveness. The researchers also measured the green spaces within and surrounding each school.
They found that the students who attended schools with more green spaces showed a 5 percent improvement in working memory, a type of short-term memory that’s critical for reasoning, learning and comprehension. Their inattentiveness also decreased slightly.
Why? It’s possible that being in green spaces increases physical activity, which is known to improve children’s cognitive performance
“The evidence strongly suggests that the natural world increases physical competency linked to mental acuity, increases ability to see patterns where others see chaos, offers new disciplines to collect and perceive knowledge and apply it, and expands the palate of possibilities,” said Louv, who wasn’t involved in the study.
Protection from pollution is another factor. The researchers estimated
Spending time outside could have a number of benefits for children beyond improved memory and attention. Another recent study found that adventurous outdoor play
“Natural environments including green spaces provide children with unique opportunities such as inciting engagement, risk taking, discovery, creativity, mastery and control, strengthening sense of self, inspiring basic emotional states including sense of wonder, and enhancing psychological restoration,” the study’s authors write
When children don’t get enough outside time, they’re at risk for developing the unscientific but all-too-real affliction that Louv calls “nature deficit disorder,”
Fortunately, some schools are starting to take notice, creating more spaces for children to enjoy being in nature, including community gardens, outdoor playgrounds and small parks.
“There’s increasing interest in increasing the amount of natural environments in education — not only for teaching about nature, but to help increase students’ ability to learn about all topics,” Louv said. “Nature experience isn’t a panacea, but for many kids it surely helps.”