Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., former President of the Children & Nature Network, and Alicia Senauer Loge, of Yale University, wrote "Children's Contact with the Outdoors and Nature: A Focus on Educators and Educational Settings" in 2010. The document, produced by the Children & Nature Network, provides an overview of research studies regarding the academic benefits of environment-based study in schools. The literature review shares research studies that demonstrate the benefits to children's health provided by time in nature. Studies show improved concentration after experiences in nature by children with ADHD, and reduced ADD symptoms. Additional studies discuss the positive impact of school gardens and natural schoolyard spaces on children's behavior and learning. Click on the image below to access the complete document.

Charles, Cheryl, and Alicia Senauer. "Children's Contact with the Outdoors and Nature: A Focus on Educators and Educational Settings." Children & Nature Network, 2010. PDF. Posted with permission from the Children & Nature Network.

Cheryl Charles, Ph.D., former President of the Children & Nature Network, and Richard Louv wrote "Children's Nature Deficit: What We Know — and Don't Know" in 2009. The document, produced by the Children & Nature Network, provides an overview of research studies suggesting that children have less unstructured time, and that they are spending less time outdoors, less time in nature, and more time engaged with media indoors. Some studies address a decline in children's physical activity, and an increase in children's body weight. Other studies address a decrease in children's familiarity with nature and biodiversity. Click on the image below to access the complete document.

Charles, Cheryl, and Richard Louv. "Children's Nature Deficit: What We Know — and Don't Know." Children & Nature Network, 2009. PDF. 
Posted with permission from the Children & Nature Network.