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When surrounded by nature, one experiences many positive changes, such as emotional well-being, self esteem, resilience, and health-related quality of life (Tillmann, Tobin, Avison, 2018). It was noted that:

“Nature has a significant impact on health. Previous reviews have identified the overall health effects of nature on a variety of health outcomes including physical, mental, social and cognitive health. These reviews have largely highlighted the impact of nature on adult populations, reporting positive effects…. [It was also noted that] nature does have a beneficial influence on children’s and teenagers’ mental health.”

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve students' attention, memory and problem-solving skills. One study found that students who spent 20 minutes walking in a forest performed better on cognitive tests than students who spent the same time walking in an urban environment.

Benefits of EAL learners' involvement in nature

EAL learners' access to nature can sometimes seem less of a priority when learners have such an overwhelming need to learn English. However, there is significant value in engaging them with nature.

Involvement in nature (perhaps by gardening, walking, learning and playing in natural environments) can provide peace and serenity in times of difficulty. EAL learners can feel significant pressure to achieve the same level as their English-proficient peers, yet being in nature can proceed a release at challenging times (perhaps when learners are becoming accustomed to their new setting).

Learning outdoors in nature can be an extension of what is happening in the classroom. Learning can be content, language or perhaps even interaction focussed. It can promote problem-solving or reflection, and many of your day-to-day classroom activities can be adapted to work well out in the natural world.

Being a friend of nature

Being a friend of nature is an important inclusion in the classroom. There are many ways that EAL learners benefit from being involved with nature, including the exploration of the outside world, and a creative use of natural resources in the classroom. However, for your learners to benefit from nature, teachers need to embrace it too. Are you offering your EAL learners positive experiences in nature?

Access your complimentary downloadable resource with ideas on how to encourage your EAL learners to be friends of nature, by clicking on the buttons at the top and bottom of this article.

References

Tillmann S, Tobin D, Avison W, et al Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review J Epidemiol Community Health 2018;72:958-966. (access here)

White, M. P., Alcock, I., Wheeler, B. W., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending time in nature is associated with reduced stress: A systematic review. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(6), 3294-3303.

Further learning - Blog

Created: Mon 6th Nov 2017

Academia Británica Cuscatleca (ABC) in El Salvador joined the Learning Village in April 2015.  However, they weren't fully active across Upper Primary until Communication Across Cultures came to their school in February this year to give an inset on EAL. 

Since then, they have used the Learning Village to support learners with accessing some of the basics of English as well as the curriculum content needed to help them to be successful in their lessons.

Created: Mon 13th Nov 2023

Learners may have difficulties expressing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Tip or Idea: Name the emotions. Use puppets, flashcards or simply hide and uncover your own face. Who can be first to name the emotion? Extend by giving a reason why e.g. He is happy because…

Learning Village resource: Feelings Snakes & Ladders game - land on a picture. Describe it and move forward 1 space! (I am happy when…/I am sad when…/I am shocked when…)

Four students laughing with each other
Created: Tue 5th Sep 2023

A learner’s wellbeing is vital to their achievement and overall success. Nevertheless, an EAL (English as an Additional Language) learner’s wellbeing should be considered more thoroughly when discussing their academic performance and achievements. A learner who speaks “a language other than English as their first language and needs additional support to develop a proficiency in English” (Twinkl, n.d) is considered to be an EAL learner. They can come from a diverse, multilingual and/or refugee background.