Nature Deficit Disorder

“In the era of test-centric education reform and growing fear of liability, many districts considered recess a waste of time or too risky.” (Louv, 1)

I cannot imagine thinking that taking physical activity would be good for children. We live in a world of constant worry. The adults are constantly worrying about things that they cannot control. Taking way recess will cause students to have too much energy and not pay attention in class. So, the test scores that people are so worried about will actually end up being worse. Also, children get hurt no matter what, not just while doing physical activities so people should not think of that as the problem.

Failed test. Photo by: www.thedeal.com

"Studies suggest that nature may be useful as a therapy for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), used with or, when appropriate, even replacing medications or behavioral therapies." (Louv, 2)

This study is extremely interesting to me. I am always supportive of ways to help the body without medication and things that could possibly harm the body. It also seems like nature could be a more long term solution, unlike medicine that is usually only a temporary fix.Especially when it comes to children, medication should only be used when absolutely necessary. It is also interesting how many more people are being diagnosed with ADHD these days. Could this be because many people are spending less time outdoors and more time inside in front of screens? I believe so. I think people could be the ones causing ADHD.

Medication is not always the answer. Photo by: www.bloodsugarsolution.com

"The boy was hyperactive, he had been kicked out of his school, and his parents had not known what to do with him--but they had observed how nature engaged and soothed him." (Louv, 5)

It's amazing how so many different people have noticed the difference when children with ADHD are exposed to the outside more. I would love to do an experiment on this information since I plan to work with children in the future. The proof behind these findings is extraordinary. I wonder why more people lean toward medication rather than trying nature first. While reading this, I was thinking about my future classroom. I hope to have windows in my classroom and have the ability to take my students outside often. In addition to that, I will also do many of my lessons outside and have plants in my classroom, I will teach children about taking care of plants and the 'green' in the room will help children with different types of disabilities to concentrate, hopefully.

The outdoors. Photo by: www.chaplingonet.com