Ideally, kids and adults would be able to spend at least 10 minutes a day in natural settings to support well-being. This may or may not be feasible in different contexts. To move toward this, the purpose of this toolkit is to support teachers and schools in reaching the following goals:
1. Get all students out in nature for a total of at least 60 min/week during school time, other than recess time
Why this?
There are different suggestions for the amount of time students (or adults) need to spend in nature to experience the benefits. Studies that looked at the amount of time (the “dose) have found that people experience benefits after as little as 5 minutes at a time in nature9, and the benefits increase if people spend 2 hours a week in nature64. The time students spend in nature during the school day can complement time they spend in nature out of school time, to reach 2 hours a week. This goal focuses on non-recess time, because the free time during recess is an important break for students. Aiming for 60 minutes per week, rather than a specific duration for each activity, gives educators more flexibility in how they might spend that time, and more options for addressing various barriers.
What benefits does this provide?
Academic Success, Wellbeing (stress, happiness, etc.)
2. Have all students intentionally engage with nature at least 1 time/week during school time
Why this?
Spending time in nature brings many benefits to individuals, and can take many forms. Research suggests, however, that simply being in nature is not enough to foster development of pro-environmental attitudes and stewardship behaviors39. Rather, focused engagement, mentorship, and knowledgeable guidance are needed to help students develop environmental attitudes and behaviors. Activities do not need to focus specifically on stewardship to foster stewardship attitudes and behaviors, but research suggests intentional engagement supports stewardship development more than just being around nature21.
What benefits does this provide?
Academic Success, Wellbeing, and Environmental Stewardship