nature deficit disorder
Richard Lourv (2008) explains that the way children interact with nature has changed significantly in the past few decades. Children's physical contact with nature seems to be fading. Lourv (2008) refers to this broken bond between children and nature as nature deficit disorder. It is in our own and the children's best interest to reduce this deficit and encourage children to not only go outside but interact with nature. Lourv (2008) explains that "our mental, physical, and spiritual health...as well as the health of the earth..." depend on helping children reconnect with nature. The way they respond to nature and how they will raise their own children in the future will shape future cities, communities, and people's daily lives (Lourv, 2008). Therefore, it is the job of environmentalists, researchers, educators, and caregivers to find ways to help children reunite with nature.
NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION SUGGESTS 30 WAYS YOU CAN GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE.
This is an excellent video that demonstrates connections between the outdoors and children's learning (Rhodes, 2011).