Why The Most Valuable Education Can Be Found Outside
American children spend an average of 5-8 hours a day on a screen, with time spent outdoors now at an all-time low. This is not only worrying for children’s physical health but their mental health too. It has been noted that encouraging children’s play positively impacts prospective jobs later on in life. In a similar way, there are numerous benefits to a child’s health and development that mean we should be encouraging them to be outside as much as possible.

The great outdoors teach us life skills
The diverse ways in which we can connect with nature are invaluable, whether it be as part of a a family camping adventure, feeding and tending to animals or doing some gardening. Meanwhile, researchers in the Porto Biomedical Journal observed the relatively limited opportunities children have to explore outside freely, partly due to carers’ and parents’ concerns about accidents happening during outdoor play. By restricting exposure to ‘risky environments’, children are missing out on opportunities to develop leadership skills and the confidence to deal with unpredictable situations.

Being outside is good for our mental health
Significantly, research at The University of Essex has revealed that being outside can lift spirits and self-esteem. With anxiety disorders affecting 1 in 8 children in America, finding ways to boost self confidence is more important than ever. Giving children the freedom to explore and take ownership of their learning outdoors can help significantly in this way.

Children can develop STEM skills outside
Doing outdoor activities regularly is a good way of helping you physically. However, one significant advantage of being outside that may be overlooked is the many opportunities for children to build on knowledge related to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Nature can bring STEM topics to life, whether it be through planting seeds and enabling them to grow, building shelters, studying wildlife and growing food. All these types of activities can make a topic more accessible to a child compared to solely reading about them in the pages of a textbook.

Nature and learning go hand in hand
Being outside has huge benefits for our emotional and physical health. In addition, it can also play a significant part in helping children learn and build self belief. As a result, the educational potential that comes with offering children plenty of opportunities to play and explore outside is invaluable.

Jane Sandwood spent over a decade working in interior design, inspired by her husband and daughter who are on the Autism Spectrum, she’s angled her career toward researching and finding solutions to common problems for people on the spectrum. Now she spends more time with her family by writing and editing from home.

For those dealing with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, here is practical advice on designing a bedroom that allows the child true rest from an experienced parent and therapist.

Most parents worry about the basic childproof tools to update their home, but when you have a child with autism, there are additional precautions that you must take. According to the Pediatrics Diplomate American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 80% of children with ASD have common sleep disorders. In fact, developing children with poor sleep can result in learning issues, daytime sleepiness, and behavioral issues such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and aggression.

For most children with ASD, the most common sleep problems are difficulty in falling asleep and repeated waking during the night. In addition, children are often seeking sensory input in unsafe ways. Creating an autism-friendly environment isn’t just about keeping your child safe. It is about creating a space your child can thrive in.

Create a peaceful vibe
When creating a special space for your child, the most logical place to start is the bedroom. Consider the decoration of the room. One trademark symptom of autism is sensory overload – making it difficult for your child to play, focus, relax, or even perform basic daily functions. Their physical surroundings should be calm and soothing without minor distractions getting in the way.

Use functional accessories to minimize noise
A sudden honk, a distant television, tumbling dryer, and the hum of nearby traffic are well-known culprits of disrupting children with autism. According to Frontiers in Pediatrics, bright light affects the individual’s mood and behavior. However, interactive furniture like swings can help calm a child who becomes overwhelmed and stimulated. Use heavy drapes to help drown out noise and distractions from outside. In addition, climbing mats, beanbag chairs, and trampolines can aid in sensory integration.

Create distinct spaces
The use of familiarity helps those with autism cope with sudden changes. It is often easier to focus on basic tasks such as eating, sleeping, playing, and learning when the activity is in its own familiar space. It’s hard enough for children to get into a bedtime routine. Set up distraction-free zones where children can have alone time or study. Make sure the mattress you choose is durable and comfortable. Also, consider building special areas such as an art section or a Lego area for escaping the stimulation from outside.

Use calm tones
Selecting the right shades is important when building a space for your child. Look for peaceful shades of blue, green, or purple. While neutral tones like black, grey and brown are calming shades, choose tan or beige if your child is oversensitive to color. Be sure to avoid overstimulating colors like white, red, orange and yellow as well as patterns. Even the most basic border designs can heighten stimulation and keep the child busy all night.

Let your child be a part of the selection process. Not only will this help them give you their immediate reactions, it will allow them to be the best judge in creating a soothing environment. After all, they will be the ones using it the most.

Jane Sandwood spent over a decade working in interior design, inspired by her husband and daughter who are on the Autism Spectrum, she’s angled her career toward researching and finding solutions to common problems for people on the spectrum. Now she spends more time with her family by writing and editing from home.