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Read more about the article Why Your New Year’s Resolution to “Be More Present” Will Fail (And What an Ecologist Does Instead)
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Why Your New Year’s Resolution to “Be More Present” Will Fail (And What an Ecologist Does Instead)

Every January, millions of parents make the same promise: This year, I'll be more present with my kids. They vow to put down their phones, resist the scroll, and truly…

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January 17, 2026
Read more about the article Gratitude Gatherers: A Nature Scavenger Hunt for Thankful Hearts
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Gratitude Gatherers: A Nature Scavenger Hunt for Thankful Hearts

How to create meaningful gratitude rituals using textures, treasures, and traditions from the natural world—adaptable for every climate, culture, and family

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Winter Nature Play Activity Guide
Winter Activity

Winter Nature Play Activity Guide

Winter Nature Play Ideas: How to Keep Kids Outdoors When It's Cold (Free Play Activities Included) When temperatures drop and snowflakes start to fall, many parents instinctively keep their children…

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November 12, 2025
Read more about the article Simple Ways to Cultivate Ecoliteracy at Home: Empower Your Family for a Sustainable Future
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Simple Ways to Cultivate Ecoliteracy at Home: Empower Your Family for a Sustainable Future

In an era where environmental awareness is more critical than ever, cultivating ecoliteracy at home is not just beneficial—it's essential. Empowering your family with the knowledge and skills to understand…

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October 26, 2025
Read more about the article Unlocking Minds: How Nature-Based Toys Lead the Future of Learning and Cognitive Development
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Unlocking Minds: How Nature-Based Toys Lead the Future of Learning and Cognitive Development

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the return to nature-based toys is not just a nostalgic trend—it's a powerful movement reshaping how children learn and develop. These innovative tools…

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October 20, 2025
Read more about the article Unlocking The Power Of ‘Green Time’ For ADHD Resilience
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Unlocking The Power Of ‘Green Time’ For ADHD Resilience

In a world where screens often steal the spotlight, the great outdoors offers a refreshing antidote, especially for children with ADHD. Nature's vibrant rhythms and boundless opportunities for exploration can…

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October 7, 2025
Read more about the article Science in the Sandbox: Creative Paths to Using Research Outdoors in Early Learning
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Science in the Sandbox: Creative Paths to Using Research Outdoors in Early Learning

Nature is a fascinating teacher, especially for young minds eager to explore the world around them. Yet, bridging the gap between peer-reviewed research and practical activities for early childhood education…

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September 14, 2025
Read more about the article Raising Earth-Aware Kids: A Complete Guide to Eco-Conscious Parenting for a Sustainable Future
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Raising Earth-Aware Kids: A Complete Guide to Eco-Conscious Parenting for a Sustainable Future

We live in an era where environmental challenges loom large, the quest for eco-conscious parenting has never been more vital. "Raising Earth-Aware Kids: A Complete Guide to Eco-Conscious Parenting for…

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September 8, 2025
Read more about the article 7 Fun Indoor Nature Games
Nature Games

7 Fun Indoor Nature Games

7 Fun Indoor Nature Games to Brighten Up Your Rainy Days!Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom and indoor confinement! Instead of being stuck inside scrolling through screens, why not…

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August 26, 2025
Read more about the article Buzzing into Summer: Exciting Pollinator Patrol Activities for Kids!
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Buzzing into Summer: Exciting Pollinator Patrol Activities for Kids!

As summer unfolds, a vibrant world of buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, and busy beetles comes alive, inviting curious young minds to dive into the wonders of nature. "Buzzing into Summer:…

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August 17, 2025
Read more about the article Surprising, Powerful Ways to Link Indigenous Knowledge and Ecoliteracy
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Surprising, Powerful Ways to Link Indigenous Knowledge and Ecoliteracy

Children who grow up playing in forests, along rivers, and on village commons don’t just collect memories — they acquire living knowledge about how ecosystems work, how seasons cycle, and…

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August 10, 2025
Read more about the article Unlocking Brilliance: How Nature-Based Learning Fuels Cognitive Development in Children
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Unlocking Brilliance: How Nature-Based Learning Fuels Cognitive Development in Children

Imagine a world where children’s laughter mingles with the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds, igniting a spark of curiosity that fuels their cognitive growth. In our increasingly…

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August 3, 2025
Read more about the article Unleashing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Nature-Based Play dates for Kids
(C) Rani Iyer
Early Childhood Development / Early Childhood Exploration / Free play / nature play / Playdates / The Power of Outdoor Play

Unleashing Adventure: The Ultimate Guide to Nature-Based Play dates for Kids

At a time when screen time often takes precedence over outdoor exploration, it's time to reclaim the magic of nature-based play dates for kids. Imagine your little ones venturing into…

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July 27, 2025
Read more about the article The Cognitive Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Childhood: Unlocking Nature’s Classroom
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The Cognitive Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Childhood: Unlocking Nature’s Classroom

The Cognitive Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Childhood: Unlocking Nature’s Classroom In a screen-dominated world, the simple act of outdoor play in early childhood offers profound cognitive benefits that…

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April 27, 2025
Read more about the article 10 Ecoliteracy Tips for Parents and Teachers: Fostering Environmental Stewardship Through Play
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10 Ecoliteracy Tips for Parents and Teachers: Fostering Environmental Stewardship Through Play

Ecoliteracy, the ability to understand and interact with natural systems, is a vital skill for children in today’s world. As climate change and environmental challenges intensify, parents and teachers play…

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April 24, 2025
Read more about the article Watch Your Child Blossom—One Leaf, One Touch, One Breeze at a Time
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Watch Your Child Blossom—One Leaf, One Touch, One Breeze at a Time

Imagine your child running barefoot through soft grass, giggling as they splash in a cool stream, or curiously inspecting the rough bark of a tree. These moments aren’t just fun—they’re…

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April 13, 2025
Read more about the article Teaching Ecoliteracy: Practical Nature-Based Activities for Children Aged 3-7
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Teaching Ecoliteracy: Practical Nature-Based Activities for Children Aged 3-7

In today's rapidly urbanizing world, fostering a deep connection between young children and the natural environment is more crucial than ever. Ecoliteracy—the understanding of the natural systems that make life…

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April 7, 2025
Read more about the article Why Ecoliteracy Matters for Young Minds
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Why Ecoliteracy Matters for Young Minds

In a world dominated by screens, instant gratification, and urban sprawl, there’s an urgent need to reconnect young minds with the natural systems that sustain life. Ecoliteracy—the ability to understand…

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March 30, 2025
Read more about the article The Extraordinary Wildlife of Temperate Rain forests: Unveiling Nature’s Hidden Gems
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The Extraordinary Wildlife of Temperate Rain forests: Unveiling Nature’s Hidden Gems

Step into the enchanting world of temperate rain forests, where nature's hidden gems come to life in the most extraordinary ways. With lush green canopies that stretch as far as…

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February 2, 2025
Read more about the article Unleashing the Power of Nature: The Ultimate Gym for Kids and Adults
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Unleashing the Power of Nature: The Ultimate Gym for Kids and Adults

Welcome to the ultimate gym experience that combines fitness and the untamed beauty of nature. Unleashing the power of nature, this gym is not your typical workout facility, but an…

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January 3, 2025
Read more about the article The Resilient Buzz: Unveiling the Mysteries of Cicada Emergence and How Conservation Efforts Can Help
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The Resilient Buzz: Unveiling the Mysteries of Cicada Emergence and How Conservation Efforts Can Help

In the world of insects, few phenomena are as intriguing, popular, and mesmerizing as the emergence of cicadas. These resilient creatures, often referred to as nature's own symphony orchestra, captivate…

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April 18, 2024
Read more about the article Nature-based intervention
Nature theraphy

Nature-based intervention

In the recent pandemic years, families, significantly children have been impacted by the challenges associated with urban living. The most pressing challenges include public health, access to free green spaces,…

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February 14, 2022
Read more about the article Genius Art of Marianne North
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Genius Art of Marianne North

Amazing life of #botanist Marianne North The life of a field #botanist is fascinating especially in the #tropics. One gets to visit #forests teeming with #plants and #animals. Every #valley…

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June 30, 2021
Read more about the article Nurture Better Brain by Nature Walking
Nature walk supports cognitive brain development
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Nurture Better Brain by Nature Walking

Around the world, May is generally a warm month. #Flowers are in full bloom. #Animal families are growing, and then there is an #abundance of green and natural life all…

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May 8, 2021
Read more about the article Well being through Eco-Art- Therapy
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Well being through Eco-Art- Therapy

Engaging in Art about nature deepens the connection with nature and provides well being. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia commons We all have a unique, deep, connection with nature. It could be…

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May 1, 2021
Read more about the article Earth Day Pledge: ‘Vitamin G’ Everyday
Green spaces are important for us.
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Earth Day Pledge: ‘Vitamin G’ Everyday

Contradictions abound about our choice of the location we live. We long for nature to relax, but we live crowded in the cities. Most human beings now live in the…

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April 19, 2021
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Engaging with Nature

Engaging with nature is important for life long connection with nature. Courtesy Over the last few weeks, some readers requested more clarity on how to get children to engage with…

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August 5, 2019
Read more about the article Uncovering Nature’s Remedy: The Incredible Healing Powers of Trees You Need to Know!
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Uncovering Nature’s Remedy: The Incredible Healing Powers of Trees You Need to Know!

Have you ever paused beneath the canopy of towering trees, feeling a sense of peace wash over you? There's more to these magnificent giants than meets the eye. Beyond their…

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July 29, 2019
Read more about the article Healing Forests
Healing forests (C) Rani Iyer, 2019
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Healing Forests

Healing properties of nature invite people to immerse in nature for rest and rejuvenation. When communities recognize the power of nature to heal, they begin to promote and protect the…

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July 20, 2019
Read more about the article Building Nature inclusive lifestyle
(C) Rani Iyer, 2019
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Building Nature inclusive lifestyle

Building a lifestyle that includes interactions with nature everyday is critical for humans. Photo courtesy Interacting with nature is essential for a healthy life for adults and children. Being in…

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July 13, 2019
Read more about the article Wilderness Therapy
(C) Rani Iyer
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Wilderness Therapy

We live in a paradox. On the one hand, we proudly uphold creativity, progress, and civilization that is built on human ingenuity. On the other, we distance ourselves from the…

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July 1, 2019
Read more about the article Playing Naturally
Playing in nature stimulates many senses.
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Playing Naturally

Several studies have shown that being outdoors and interacting with nature has many benefits for people of all ages. In young children, it has multiple benefits, including cognitive, behavioral, and…

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June 23, 2019
Read more about the article Why Kids Need Nature in Urban Areas
(C) Rani Iyer
ADHD / Blog / child development / Creativity / emotion / Emotional strength / Forest / ForestBathing / Free play / GreenSpace / Healing / Health / Health benefits / healthy / http://raniyer.com/blog / Mental Illness / Mind / Mood / nature play / Nature theraphy / Outdoors / Science / STEM / Trees / Urban / Urban Nature / UrbanForest / Urbanization / Youth

Why Kids Need Nature in Urban Areas

Playing outdoors is necessary for children. Picture courtesy As the urban neighborhood continues to expand and towns become assimilated into cities, the need for finding green spaces become critical for…

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June 16, 2019
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Amazing Healing Power of Nature

Playing in nature heals and provides lifelong benefits In recent decades, there has been a rapid change in the lifestyle of people all around the world. More than half of…

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June 9, 2019
child development / emotion / Emotional strength / Forest / Free play / Health benefits / healthy / http://raniyer.com/blog / http://www.raniyer / http://www.raniyer.com/blog / Nature / nature play / Outdoors / Physical strength / Rain forest / Sustainability / Trees

Get out to improve your mood

Getting in contact with nature improves our mood picture courtesy Every Tuesday, in Toronto, a group of people gather in the front steps of an old building. They have sturdy…

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May 11, 2019
Blog / child development / Climate Change / emotion / Emotional strength / Explorer / Free play / Health benefits / healthy / imagination / Nature / nature play / Outdoors / Physical strength / Science / STEM / Trees

What happens when you put kids under trees?

Every parent in the western world is grappling with a strange problem- the need to entertain their children.  Not only do they take care of the kids, they must also…

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May 6, 2019
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Three Trillion and counting: We need more trees!

Trees are the life line of Earth in multiple ways The world needs trees. Trees improve our health and act as natural filters cleaning our air. Harmful pollutants and carbon…

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April 27, 2019