Children are struggling with fine motor skills, focus, and even basic communication. In a 2024 EdWeek report, educators described students who couldn’t hold pencils, cut with scissors, or sustain attention long enough to write an essay — all skills that build the foundation for strong language and literacy.

Nature-based play has been shown to improve child creativity, imagination, motor skill development, and self-awareness of children. Repeated studies across 12 countries have reaffirmed the importance of the nature based play approach for children to develop cognitive skills in early years.

Nonverbal toddlers communicate in more ways than words — through gestures, sounds, and play. Early educator and Harvard graduate Lydia Mackie shares how outdoor exploration, self-talk, and sensory-rich activities can spark language development and help little ones find their voice.