5 Ways to Integrate Nature Into Summer Learning and Boost Well-Being

As the school year winds down and summer programs ramp up, it’s the perfect time to take learning outdoors. Research shows that spending just 120 minutes per week in nature (that’s fewer than 20 minutes per day) can boost mood, sharpen focus and lower stress, especially for neurodiverse students. 

Whether you’re leading a camp, teaching an extended school year, or looking for calming activities to wrap up the year, nature can be your greatest classroom ally. From a shady tree in the schoolyard to a sidewalk flower bed, nature is everywhere and accessible to everyone. 

Here are five flexible, inclusive ideas that ensure that every student and educator can connect with the natural world—even if it's just during a reading break on a sunny day.

1. Adopt the “get outside whenever you can” philosophy. Break the classroom’s routine by taking learning outdoors. Transform reading breaks or quiet study times into opportunities for fresh air. Even taking short strolls or sitting under a tree can provide a mental reset. Learn more about Nature Prescription breaks.
2. Explore nature through books, movies and photos. If going outside in nature feels out of reach, research shows that simply seeing nature—through a window, a photograph, a video or books—can have positive effects. Choose books and movies like Our Planet or Planet Earth that highlight landscapes, animal behavior and environmental stewardship. These narratives can spark discussions and real-life nature exploration. Learn more about how to practice Nature Prescriptions. 
3. Play Nature BINGO. This inclusive sensory game helps students tune into the sounds of nature—and build social and emotional learning in the process. Using real sound clips and picture-based BINGO cards, students listen for bird calls, rustling leaves, and more as they race to fill their card.
4. Go on a nature treasure hunt. Give your students a mission: Find one “treasure” in nature that sparks awe, curiosity or joy, like a cool rock or a unique leaf. Then, invite students to describe, draw or take a photo of it, and reflect on how it made them feel.
5. Write a postcard to nature. End your summer session with a reflection by having students write or draw a postcard to nature. What are they grateful for? A favorite tree? A sunny day? A peaceful moment in the grass? Expressing gratitude fosters emotional awareness and deepens each student’s connection to the world around them. 

Ready to Get Outside?

Nature is not just a backdrop for academic learning—it’s an active participant in your students’ well-being. With Proof Positive’s Nature Prescriptions Unit Study, you can access a comprehensive collection of inclusive, print-and-go activities perfect for summer programs. Grounded in science and designed with accessibility in mind, these resources empower you and your students to build a stronger connection to nature and improve well-being for all.