About This Lesson
Nature Prescriptions offers inclusive, printable activities designed for summer programs, extended learning, and enrichment during July's National Park and Recreation Month, helping all students, including neurodivergent learners, boost their wellbeing through intentional time in nature. Grounded in science, this wellbeing skill encourages students to spend at least 120 minutes a week outdoors. But it's more than just being outside.
Through sensory exploration, emotional reflection, and accessible experiences, students learn to actively connect with nature. From city parks to backyard trees, even small moments in nature can spark awe, calm, and connection.
In this activity, you and your students (and families, too!) can create a jar filled with quick, fun outdoor "snacks" (activities) to use when they need a short nature break. It's a great way to celebrate parks, build routines, and inspire connection through nature during the summer months!
Here’s what you’ll get:
- A printable template with examples and blank slips to customize your own nature snack ideas.
- Access to a unit study about Nature Prescriptions
Why you’ll love this activity:
- Grab and go when you’re short on time!
- The activity is easy to customize in your classroom or at home
- You can use this resource as part of a comprehensive, science-based unit study
- The associated free unit study forNature Prescriptions comes with activities, downloadable worksheets, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism
- Encourages emotional literacy and growth in social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Flexible for all ages and ability levels
Ways to Use
- Incorporate into SEL curriculum
- Integrate into small groups and/or individual counseling sessions
- Use as a brain break to help with transitions
- Families can use this at home, too!
- Outdoor exploration during recess, PE, or SEL time
What is Nature Prescriptions?
Nature has an undeniable impact on our wellbeing. Yet, time in nature has been on a steady
decline since the 1980s, with people spending more time indoors and disconnected from nature. We need nature now more than ever. Originating from research on the restorative effects of nature, a Nature Prescription encourages you to spend at least 120 minutes per week outdoors —whether that’s a walk in the park, gardening or simply sitting under a tree. Doctors across the globe are now prescribing nature to improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing. But the key isn’t just time outside — it’s about intentionally cultivating a deeper connection with nature to fully experience its benefits. And the best part? You don’t need to live near an ocean or national park to feel the effects — small doses of nature, or even noticing and incorporating nature into your indoor spaces, can make a big impact. Not all nature experiences look the same. The key is to find what works for you — the spaces, textures, sounds and sensory experiences that bring a sense of joy, serenity, and connection.
Science of Nature Prescriptions
Time spent in nature promotes happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction across diverse populations. Nature’s benefits are both psychological and physiological — reducing stress, boosting mood, improving heart health, restoring attention and more. For autistic individuals, increased time in nature is linked to improved sensory, social, behavioral functioning, focus and greater subjective wellbeing. Research indicates that at least 120 minutes per week is the dose of nature we need to thrive. If going outside to be in nature feels out of reach, research shows that simply seeing nature — through a window, a photograph, video or even indoor plants — can have positive effects.
BENEFITS
People who spend time in nature are more likely to experience:
- Increased prosocial behavior and cooperation
- Increased positive emotions like awe, serenity, and gratitude
- Enhanced self-esteem and resilience
- Increased social connection and empathy
- Decreased blood pressure, asthma, and risk of heart disease
- Enhanced focus and cognitive performance
- Higher levels of life satisfaction and wellbeing
- Reduced stress, depression and anxiety
Additionally, individuals with learning, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who spend time in nature may experience …
- Improved sensory, social, and behavioral functioning
- Increased attention and focus
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Improved motor skills
- Greater subjective wellbeing
Looking for More Nature Prescriptions Resources?
* Explore the free Nature Prescriptions Unit Study, which includes teaching slides, additional worksheets and activities, and even IEP and BIP recommendations tailored specifically to students with autism.
Proof Positive’s resources are and will always be free. Be well!
Bonus access to full lesson plans and unit studies on the skills of happiness at our Skill Center
