Abintra's Natural Environment Could Reduce Children's Stress!

A University of Colorado Boulder study says that "Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children's stress and inattention." The researchers also found that "Natural terrain schoolyards - with dirt, scrub oak and water features, for example - foster supportive relationships and feelings of competence." This is great news for Abintra students, as our campus provides 10 wooded acres where students can take nature hikes, build forts, examine wildlife, and develop a curiosity about their surroundings. More recent studies that support this research and emphasize the importance of play in natural environments have been reported by NPR. You can find those articles at the following links: Where the Wild Things Play and Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain. 

Early Childhood students enjoy a nature walk around campus.

Early Childhood students find shade in a fort built by upper school students!

Lower Elementary students hike to the pond.

Upper Elementary students give Early Childhood students high-fives as they pass them on a trail hike.

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention, - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf

Playing in schoolyards that feature natural habitats and trees and not just asphalt and recreation equipment reduces children’s stress and inattention - See more at: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/22/natural-terrain-schoolyards-reduce-children%E2%80%99s-stress-says-cu-boulder-study#sthash.fJxtbVct.dpuf