Louv Nature Deficit Disorder

Trees in the FGCU Nature Trail. Photo by J Lane

"They found that greenery in a child's everyday environment, even views of green  through a window, specifically reduces attention-deficit symptoms" (Louv 8).

Though I am no longer a child, and have never suffered from attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD), I agree with this finding. There are times when being inside is necessary and you are unable to go outside. For instance, when I am in classes I find my stress level to be significantly less when there are windows in the room and the curtains are drawn back. When the windows are blocked, or there are no windows at all, I begin to feel stuffy and trapped. I am unable to concentrate simply because I am concerned with leaving the classroom. I can see how kids with underlying attention deficit disorders could find this even more troubling. The view of greenery through the window while in class can relieve stress for me. Also, after being coped up for an extended period of time it is relieving to finally step outside and take a breath of fresh air.

Children's playground. Photo by J Lane

"In the era of test-centric education reform and growing fear of liability, many districts considered recess a waste of potential academic time or too risky" (Louv 1).

I know this is not Louv's beliefs but I strongly disagree with this statement. Some of my fondest memories in elementary school were spending recess on my school's playground. It was a time to socialize and take a break. I was able to enjoy myself on the playground while still scoring above average on all the standardized tests and even making it into advanced classes for middle school. It became glaringly obvious as I got older that the amount of time spent during recess was increasingly cut back as I aged until middle school when it just stopped. With the end of recess I noticed an increase in teachers telling us how to pass the FCAT. Also, the idea that cutting back recess will help increase test scores is backwards. There is only so much nonstop learning a human can take. Everyone needs a break to soak in the knowledge they just obtained. Recess would allow the perfect opportunity for a break in order for the children to fully retain the new information. It saddens me to think that some of today's children do not get to enjoy recess as I once did.

A child watching TV. Photo by Alamy

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/children/10138281/Letting-children-watch-hours-of-TV-improves-academic-ability-study-claims.html

"More time in nature---combined with less television and more stimulating play and educational settings---may go a long way toward reducing attention deficits in children, and, just a important, increasing their joy in life" (Louv 10).

 I both agree and disagree with this quote, therefore I find it confusing. While I agree with the positive affects nature has on society and children I am not sure how I feel about it reducing attention deficits. It mentions more stimulating activities would help when in fact I think the problem they face is too much stimulation. I do not know much about attention deficit disorders but I do know that they have trouble focusing on one thing because everything grabs their attention. Therefore, on this explanation TV would help more. Perhaps television grabs their attention in the wrong way though. Maybe, by reducing their television time and increasing their time in nature it will teach their brains to relax and focus on one thing. I do believe that children with attention deficit disorders have it ingrained in their genetics and biology. It is not something that can be cured purely from nature but maybe nature will reduce the symptoms.