Spending time in nature offers a range of physical, mental and emotional benefits. In this lesson, students explore these benefits, reflect on their relationship with nature, create a personal Nature Action Plan, and explore strategies for getting their friends to join them in nature.
Learning Intention
Students learn about the positive impact that spending time in nature can have on their mental health and wellbeing, and explore ways to incorporate nature into their own, and their peers’, lives.
Key Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- understand the mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature
- create a personal action plan for incorporating nature into their day-to-day lives
- develop strategies to encourage their friends to spend time in nature.
activity 01
Think, pair, share: Nature reflection 15 min
- Ask students to take a moment to reflect on a positive experience or memory related to spending time in nature. It could be a specific place, an outdoor activity or a particular moment that left a lasting impression.
- After a few minutes of silent reflection, ask students to pair up with a classmate and share their reflections. Encourage them to discuss why these experiences were meaningful and how they felt at the time.
- Bring the class back together and invite a few pairs to share their reflections with the whole class.
- Introduce the idea of how connecting with nature can positively impact your mental health and wellbeing. Share that studies have shown that spending time in nature can help with:
- improving mood
- restoring mental energy
- reducing stress levels
- feeling more relaxed
- connecting with people
- being physically active
- boosting concentration
- improving short-term memory.
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