Nature and us: an action research about the importance of nature relatedness in families with young children

Hebrinik, Jera (2014) Nature and us: an action research about the importance of nature relatedness in families with young children. Masters dissertation, University of Cumbria. Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

Although studies have shown that spending time outdoors is beneficial for people’s social, psychological, physical, cognitive and emotional development, it seems that fewer and fewer children engage in nature-based activities. This action research aims to broaden knowledge and understanding of children’s outdoor experiences in early childhood. A qualitative research conducted in Darmstadt, Germany, explores how parents’ understanding of importance of childhood experiences in nature influences their children’s outdoor time. Findings indicate that parents intuitively know that nature is good for their children and that parents who spent time in natural settings as children are more likely to enjoy nature in adulthood and consequently take their children outdoors more often. The author concludes that in order to support parents who already explore natural areas with their toddlers and to promote nature play among parents who do not, nursery schools should offer children more time and space to engage in nature play and provide parents with information about the benefits of spending time in green areas.

Item Type:	Thesis/Dissertation (Masters)
Departments:	Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies
Additional Information:	Dissertation presented in part fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Arts in Transcultural European Outdoor Studies University of Cumbria 2014.
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	25 May 2018 08:43
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 12:15
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3851