2 min read
It's for this reason that Dr. Montessori considered the outdoors an extension of the classroom.
BUT there's a new benefit to outdoor time that educators are talking about - the development of environmental stewardship.
Many, MANY studies have recently been published, showing that it's common for young people to develop what is referred to as 'eco-anxiety'.
This is "the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one's future and that of next generations”, as defined by the American Psychology Association.
Stress can be helpful in mobilizing and motivating people to change... but too much stress and anxiety can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and denial.
Older children can take actionable steps to help alleviate this anxiety, like talking about climate change (avoiding feelings of isolation) and using that knowledge to effect change (in age appropriate and accessible ways).
If you have children 10+ years old that are aware of climate change and want to empower them on environmental issues, these two websites are a great start:
Youthtopia - A place for all young change makers to learn about climate crisis, find community and uplift each other https://www.youthtopia.world/
Force of Nature - This site provides free workshops and training to ensure that young people feel empowered to disrupt the status-quo. They also work with decision-makers to enable and lead intergeneration solutions. https://www.forceofnature.xyz/
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