Winter in the higher latitudes can feel like an unending story of short days, long nights, and relentless storms that keep us huddled indoors. It’s easy to feel disconnected from the natural world during this time, but at Natural Pod, we believe that connection is more important than ever.
As a learning furniture company, now would be a good time for us to tell you that by purchasing our beautiful, natural wood furniture, you would be able to brighten and lighten your classroom and positively inspire your learners, that by enhancing your existing space with sustainably-sourced nature-inspired tables or benches, your learning community would feel more connected to the outdoors, which in turn would greatly benefit your overall wellbeing.
While our beautiful, nature-inspired furniture can certainly brighten your classroom and create a sense of calm, we want to emphasize the importance of something deeper: getting children outside, even in winter.
Yes, studies show that bright, uncluttered learning environments with natural elements enhance wellbeing and learning outcomes. But research also consistently demonstrates the profound impact of direct experiences in nature on children’s development.
- A 2021 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that children who engaged with nature, even just by looking at pictures, experienced increased feelings of peace and happiness, even during the winter months.
- More importantly, a 2017 Finnish study in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health showed that when children continue to engage in outdoor activities throughout the winter, despite the cold, the benefits of outdoor play, far outweighed their experience of feeling cold.
- Further, a groundbreaking 2024 study by Montreal-based Dr. Marie-Claude Geoffroy published in JAMA demonstrated that time spent in nature significantly improved children’s mental health, particularly for those struggling with anxiety or depression.
At Natural Pod, we believe that fostering a love for nature in children is crucial, not just for their individual well-being, but for the future of our planet.
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Here are three suggestions that we hope inspire you and your learners to bundle up, explore winter with curiosity and wonder, and discover the magic that awaits them in nature—no matter the season.
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- Integrate seasonal stories and songs by including winter-themed stories, poems, or myths into your curriculum. For example, Early Childhood Educators Lauren Spotz and Wendy Chen at Norma Rose Point in Vancouver, Canada, introduced the story of a hibernating fox during winter. The progression of these stories throughout the season allowed learners in their classroom to connect deeply with the themes. Students brought the stories to life as they reenacted them during nature walks and through play, both outdoors and inside the classroom.
- Incorporate movement-based activities such as yoga tied to seasonal themes to engage children’s bodies and minds and generate some warmth, before stepping outside.
- Encourage outdoor play and exploration to connect with nature. Suggest activities such as collecting natural items (e.g., pinecones, winter moss, twigs, or stones) that can be brought indoors for use in creative projects and arranged on a Reach Table for display.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” –Alfred Wainwright
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