Creating Effective Communication Through a Child\u27s Nature Connection

Children of the wired generation are plugged into television, video games or computers, and have lost their innate connection to nature. An analysis of children\u27s exposure to nature and its effect on communication was conducted to promote the practice of engaging children in outdoor activities with the goal of fortifying communication. Key elements discussed in this analysis include, nature\u27s effect on all sensory perceptions, and the non-clinical diagnosis of Nature Deficit Disorder as it supports the direct link between exposure to nature and a child\u27s development, self-esteem and success in school. As an outcome of this Capstone Project, a parent\u27s guide was produced to serve as a support tool assisting parents of children with Nature Deficit Disorder and provide a foundation for further research