The term Green Hour refers to the setting aside of one hour a day to give our children a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. Doing so can help to set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Unstructured, imaginative play is increasingly lacking in our mostly indoor, overly scheduled world. Organizations like the National Wildlife Federation assert that unfortunately “As a society, we are raising the first generation of Americans to grow up disconnected from nature”. Through the implementation of Green Hour programs they hope to inspire Americans not only to protect the nation's wildlife for our children's future but to provide them with the opportunity and resources to enjoy it.
In his book, The Last Child In The Woods, author Richard Louv explores research linking the absence of nature in children's lives to rising rates of obesity, attention disorders, and depression. He presents links between exposure to nature and good health, stating that “The people who study this actually use the term "nearby nature." Nearby nature can be the clump of trees at the end of the cul-de-sac or the ravine behind the house. Through a biologist's eyes, those places can seem insignificant, but through a child's eyes that ravine can be a whole universe.”
Programs like No Child Left Inside and Green Hour can be great resources for interested parents.
(Photo Credit: Michel Filion on flickr)
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