Why Nature Supports Language Development
- goodnatureohio
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Nature has a way of calming, connecting, and centering us.
In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, we’re often told we need the newest, fastest, loudest thing. But when did that belief begin? Not at birth. Not in early childhood. We come into this world—and leave it—without material things. What if we leaned into something more meaningful: a deeper connection with the natural world that surrounds us?
What if our children had the freedom to explore that world?
There is growing evidence that nature-based play environments support speech and language development in powerful, lasting ways.
🌱 Here's how nature helps:
Nature acts as a play partner, encouraging imagination and creativity. A stick can be a sword, a fairy wand, or a paintbrush—natural materials invite open-ended play.
It builds problem-solving and critical thinking, with children engaging in more questioning, discovery, and interaction.
It offers semantic-rich, meaningful contexts for conversation. Children naturally label, describe, and discuss what they see, feel, and do outdoors.
It provides sensory-rich experiences that help children articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Nature encourages social interaction, helping build conversational fluency, listening skills, and expressive language.
It supports more complex language use and fosters storytelling, sequencing, and rich vocabulary.
So, is it worth letting your child play outside without the latest gadget or flashy toy? Absolutely. The research backs it—and the benefits go far beyond language.
At Good Nature Therapy Services, we believe in a child-led, play-based approach that embraces the healing and developmental power of nature. Our one-on-one services and therapeutic groups are rooted in outdoor exploration and connection.
We’d love to walk alongside your family—growing your child’s skills, one nature-filled adventure at a time.
Visit our website for more information and to contact us.
References:
Scott, S., Gray, T., Charlton, J., & Millard, S. (2022). The impact of time spent in natural outdoor spaces on children’s language, communication and social skills: A systematic review protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12038. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912038
Børve, H. E., & Børve, E. (2022). Children’s language use in a natural and a conventional playground: A study of urban preschoolers. International Journal of Early Years Education, 31(2), 236–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2022.2144147
Kemple, K. M., & Segal, M. (2022). Protocol for a systematic review of the impact of nature-based early childhood education on children’s language and communication development. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12038. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912038
