Louv Journal

Nature-Deficit Disorder and the Restorative Environment

Quotations by Richard Louv

“Nearly 40 percent of American elementary schools either eliminated or were considering eliminating recess” (Louv 1)

 

For younger children, being in a classroom for six hours at a time can be challenging. They have to pay attention to the teacher, be still, and not talk to their friends. I remember being in class and looking outside and saying I cannot wait until I get to go out there and play. This statement has shocked me, children need time to explore in nature and outdoor play should be more of a priority in the school systems. Starting the exploration of nature young could impact the way children view and treat nature as adults. It shocks me that schools see recess as a waste of academic time. I completely agree that recess should be less structured and give the children more time to explore in nature however; recess or physical education is better than nothing. I believe if children have more freedom to explore nature, they will concentrate more efficiently and essentially learn more, as well as have a respect for their outdoor surroundings. 

(photo found from GOOGLE images)

Photo found in GOOGLE images

“The detachment of education from the physical world not only coincided with the dramatic rise in life-threatening childhood obesity but also a growing body of evidence that links physical exercise and experience in nature to mental acuity and concentration” (Louv 2)

I never realized how truly important nature could be to children. Nature could essentially change the way society views ADHD. Studies have shown that nature could decrease symptoms and could possibly be used in addition to or substituted for medication. It seems so simple to me, let your children experience nature openly and freely and they will concentrate and be calm when it is necessary. Just like the book states, I in some way, felt ADHD was associated with poor parenting or a child seeking attention. I am now more aware of what ADHD is. If the children stopped watching TV and playing video games and went outside to play and explore, I believe with the evidence I have read, less children would be diagnosed with ADHD. I think about the stories my parents tell me about how they were always outside because they didn’t have TV, video games, and cell phones. It makes sense that ADHD is now more prevalent than fifty years ago because not as many children are exploring the wonderful things nature has to offer. 

“If you can find in an environment where attention is automatic, you allow directed attention to rest” (Louv 6)

Photo taken by Taylor Atkins

Louv talked about “directed-attention fatigue”. I’m sure that most of us in the class have had this multiple times during a lecture. Directed-attention fatigue is basically the inability to concentrate. No matter the age, many people experience this. A few weeks ago, I traveled to the Florida Keys and went kayaking in the mangroves. I always have a hard time relaxing with all the things on my mind. In that very moment of no phones, no talking, and just the noise of the water and the chirping of the birds, I had nothing else on my mind. In that very moment, I was in complete relaxation. Having these moments allows me to restore my crazy thoughts running through my mind, and have time to just live in the moment. Thinking about this statement and with my experience, I as well as many others would probably be capable of concentrating when it is needed if they experience environments that allow them to rest their direct attention.