It was a sunny day in late spring as I sat in the open glade listening to the distant drumming of a woodpecker and awaiting the arrival of my group. Monday afternoons had become a time of the week that I relished; we had a range of children from our local borough all joining us for their regular afternoon in the woods.
In the months before, I had been working with a small class from a local school; a few children in particular were thriving in the Nature Based Education environment. However, budget constraints had meant that the group could no longer attend, yet to take these children in particular away from a learning experience that they were thriving in seemed unfair. These children were the ones who "seem like different children out here"... a phrase I had heard many times.
I suggested that to continue providing these learners with this experience, we should work with other schools and invite other children with special educational needs (SEN) along, too. At first, people questioned why we would do such a thing! Was it not too risky?
It was risky, but when we looked at the research and weighed the risk against the benefit, it was something that we absolutely had to pursue.
That's because nature-based education can make a difference for children with special educational needs. These benefits can be precious because they cater to the unique needs and characteristics of these children. Here are some reasons why nature-based education is supportive for children with SEN:
1. Sensory Stimulation: Nature provides a rich sensory environment. Children with SEN often have sensory processing difficulties, and exposure to natural surroundings can help them regulate their sensory experiences. The sights, sounds, textures, and smells of nature can be calming and provide sensory integration opportunities.
2. Reduced Overstimulation: Natural settings tend to be less overwhelming and less likely to trigger sensory overload compared to artificial, indoor environments. This can be particularly beneficial for children with autism or sensory processing disorder.
3. Stress Reduction: Nature reduces stress and anxiety levels in individuals of all ages. Children with SEN, who may experience higher stress levels, can benefit greatly from the calming and soothing effects of nature.
4. Physical Activity: Outdoor activities in nature encourage physical exercise and movement, which can support the motor development of children with physical disabilities or motor coordination difficulties.
5. Social Interaction: Nature-based settings often foster cooperative play and social interaction. Children with social and communication challenges, such as autism, can develop social skills and engage with peers in a more relaxed, natural environment.
6. Personalised Learning: Nature-based education can be tailored to individual needs and interests. Educators can adapt the outdoor curriculum to accommodate different learning styles, paces, and strengths, allowing children with SEN to learn at their rate.
7. Inclusive Environment: Nature-based education tends to be more inclusive and less judgmental, fostering acceptance and understanding among peers. This inclusive atmosphere can benefit children with SEN by reducing stigmatisation and enhancing social integration.
8. Hands-On Learning: Nature-based activities often involve hands-on, experiential learning, which can be particularly effective for children with SEN who struggle with abstract concepts or traditional classroom teaching methods.
9. Improved Focus and Attention: Spending time in nature is associated with increased attention span and reduced symptoms of attention disorders. This can be beneficial for children with SEN who have difficulties with focus and concentration.
10. Emotional Well-being: Exposure to nature can enhance emotional well-being and resilience. Children with SEN may face emotional challenges, and connecting with nature can support their emotional development.
11. Therapeutic Benefits: Nature is a therapeutic tool in special education. Horticultural therapy,animal-assisted therapy, Nature Connection, Forest School and outdoor adventure programs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of children with SEN.
12. Environmental Education: Nature-based education can help children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, leading to a sense of environmental responsibility and ethical values.
Throughout the following months, we had many eventful afternoons in the woods; inevitably, there were some lows, many highs and a whole range of stories I've told repeatedly since. However, this approach worked for many, but it certainly isn't a panacea to the crisis some local authorities find themselves in when trying to meet the unique educational needs of many pupils. It's important to note that while nature-based education offers many benefits, it must be delivered by experienced and qualified practitioners who can adapt to the specific needs and abilities of each child with SEN.
For this approach to be successful, educators and caregivers should work closely together to create long-term, supportive, and customised learning experiences in natural settings that meet the needs of each individual child; there is no question as to why we shouldn't!
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