During the first seven years, the formation of the brain's channels and the connections between its hemispheres are greatly supported by sensory experiences of the natural world. Our biology has evolved primarily in outdoor landscapes, and young children often struggle to learn in the walled-in, overstimulating classrooms of today. 

Outdoor educators make conscious use of natural spaces and the elements of earth, air, water and warmth to grow the young child's brain and sensory systems, crucial for academic success. The young child gains foundational gross and fine-motor experiences, all of which develop the hand-eye coordination necessary for reading and writing, and so much more!

What is needed for the health of our planet? We will certainly need leaders with integrity and a real understanding of what's at stake, who can not only offer a well-rounded set of skills and perspectives, but also the willpower and cooperative spirit to accomplish their goals!

For more on the benefits of outdoor play, we recommend the following:

• Richard Louv (Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder), co-founder of Children & Nature Network

• Jonathan Haidt (The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness), co-founder of the Let Grow organization

• Sally Goddard-Blythe (The Well-Balanced Child), director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology

• David Sobel (The Sky Above and the Mud Below: Lessons from Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens), director of Antioch University's Center for Place-Based Education

• Sharifa Oppenheimer (With Stars in Their Eyes: Brain Science and Your Child's Journey Toward the Self)

• WECAN (Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America) publications: www.waldorfearlychildhood.org

• Gesell at Yale Program in Early Childhood: www.gesell-yale.com