Why Fostering Nature Intelligence in Kids is Important

Have you ever heard the phrase “Nature Intelligence” and wondered what it means? In the simplest terms, Nature Intelligence is a phrase that is often used to refer to a keener awareness of the natural world. Another useful way of thinking of the concept is “nature smarts.” 

On her resource page about Nature Intelligence, educator Leslie Owen Wilson highlights a few key features of Nature Intelligence. They include:

• Readily using heightened sensory skills to notice and categorize things in the natural world
• Easily notice patterns in their surroundings
• Take an interest in caring about animals and plants
• Heightened observational skills
• Show a heightened awareness and concern for the environment and/or endangered species
• Easily learn characteristics, categorizations, names and dates about objects found in the natural world

Fostering Nature Intelligence can be challenging in the modern world. As naturalist Richard Louv highlights in his book, Last Child in the Woods, a number of factors, including easy access to technologies, shrinking nature spaces, and phobias about dirt and disease, have made it harder for families to get outdoors.

Nonetheless, nature intelligence is a vital skill for child development. Here are a few reasons why:

• It encourages a greater sense of responsibility and respect.  Kids who have a keener sense of Nature Intelligence are more readily able to see themselves as helpers, teachers, and stewards.

 

• Nature Intelligence gives kids tools to better understand natural phenomena such as wildfires, hurricanes, or floods. 

 

• Nature Intelligence also connects to broader critical thinking skills. As Louv notes, close engagement with nature encourages asking big questions and thinking in an analytical level. 

 

• A recent study has shown that kids that spend a lot of time in nature are more likely to care for their environment as adults. 

When thinking about how to foster your child’s Nature Intelligence, it’s important to remember that simply learning about nature through books isn’t enough. Experts emphasize that kids need regular close-up experience in the outdoors.
Nature Intelligence is multi-sensory, and involves touch, smell, sight, and hearing. Kids benefit from getting to observe and explore on their own terms. 

Finally, it's important to note that you don't have to go far to foster your kid's sense of Nature intelligence. No matter how dense the urban environment, there's nature all around you if you take the time to notice. There's as much to learn from the ants on the sidewalk as there is from a dramatic waterfall. The key is providing that space and time for your kids to go out an explore. 
  ~ Bryna

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Want to learn more about Nature Intelligence? Here are a few resources to get you started:

• Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods, is a great starting point. In it, he argues that there is as a "nature-deficit disorder" crisis, and he charts ways to combat it.
• Educator Leslie Owen Wilson's page on Naturalistic Intelligence
• "Why Kids Need to Spend More time In Nature," by Danielle Cohen, at the Child Mind Institute
• The Children and Nature Network has a variety of resources on their website to underscore the importance of getting kids outdoors