Nurturing Minds: Integrating Nature and 5-Senses Education into the Canadian School Curriculum

As a Registered Counselling Therapist offering nature-informed therapy and as a professional collaborator with Forest Schools, I’ve witnessed the powerful healing benefits of nature therapy firsthand. Using nature-based approaches in counselling helps clients tap into emotional healing through outdoor environments. I also train other therapists on how to use ecotherapy in their practice, backed by modern research as well as, referencing earth-based cultures.

The evidence is clear: integrating nature education and 5-senses learning into the primary school curriculum provides significant mental health benefits and enhances learning for children. It helps build emotional resilience, fosters creative thinking, and encourages children to connect with nature, reducing screen time and increasing interaction with the natural world. After all, we co-evolved outdoors, and we naturally feel better when spending time in nature.

Imagine children outdoors, touching trees, hearing birds, and splashing in puddles—these sensory experiences spark joy and immediately enhance learning and mental well-being. Regular engagement with nature fosters critical thinking skills and creativity (Adams & Savahl, 2017), while unstructured outdoor play reduces stress and boosts brain development (Braus & Milligan-Toffler, 2018). Nature also provides opportunities for children to process complex life concepts, like death, which are often challenging to address in traditional classrooms.

Incorporating sensory-based activities—such as mud slides, rock balancing, or cloud spotting—helps children develop emotional regulation and mindfulness. Programs like Adventure Earth in Halifax, Nova Scotia promote hands-on learning and healthy risk-taking through unstructured nature play, encouraging children to explore and build resilience.

Integrating nature into school curricula—whether through lessons on the seasons, biodiversity, or the relationship between mental health and the outdoors—can foster a healthier, more resilient generation. By reconnecting with nature, we help children grow emotionally, learn deeply, and thrive in our modern world. 

Nature-based education is not just beneficial; it’s essential for our future generations.