During the week from 16 to 22 February 2025, we hosted a group of students from Romania, who had the opportunity to have an intense and at the same time fun and constructive study experience, dealing
with important topics based on Ecology, Nature-based Education and Education to Sustainability.
Various topics were covered, but the most stressed point was “gratitude”, the topic with which the
Wednesday afternoon outdoor session was opened.For students, connecting with the natural world
is more crucial than ever.
An important question was posed to the students: HOW GRATEFUL ARE YOU TO LIFE?
Teaching children to be grateful helps them to develop a positive outlook on life from an early age.
And from here a series of related topics on the importance of our surroundings on our person.
Then a series of related topics on the importance of our surroundings on our person.
The importance of spending time in nature cannot be underestimated and there are many compelling
reasons why students should make it a priority to step outdoors:
1. Reduces stress and anxiety
Firstly, spending time in nature significantly reduces stress levels, providing a calming environment
that helps students escape the pressures of school, exams or daily life.
2. Enhances academic performance
Nature also plays a vital role in boosting academic performance. Students who spend time outdoors
tend to feel more relaxed and reinvigorated, which can lead to better memory retention,
concentration, and focus
3. Improves physical health
4. Builds social skills
Nature-based activities are an excellent way to develop social skills. They encourage teamwork and
cooperation, as students often work together to overcome challenges or achieve common goals. As
a result, children create stronger bonds with their peers and understand the value of collaboration.
5. Promotes hands-on learning
Through observation and problem-solving activities, students learn to appreciate nature, fostering a
deeper sense of environmental awareness while developing critical thinking skills that are
invaluable for personal growth and success.
Spending time outdoors has been proven to have positive effects on pupils well-being. Exercise and
energetic activities are great for getting pupils active. Not only does their physical health benefit,
but emphasising the importance of learning outdoors also promotes mental well-being, reducing
stress and making children happier!
Four competences of gratitude
1. Observe
2. Thinking
3. Feeling
4. Doing
In relation to these four skills, they were given a ‘GRATITUDE SCAVENGER HUNT’ sheet, in
which they took time to practice these 4 skills by connecting with their natural surroundings, and
then debriefing on what they had observed.
The session continued by discussing the 17 sustainability goals and their importance.The
Community of State approved the 2030 Agenda, for Sustainable Development; The Global Agenda
defines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be attained by 2030.
To make the students understand the goals of the global programme, we used clear, simple but
engaging language to motivate them to take daily action in defence of our planet.
The students were divided into 2 groups and each group played this game called GoGoals, trying to
answer some questions correctly and trying to learn about sustainable goals.
That moment became a place for dialogue on the topic, where through this game we
– helped the children understand the importance of the 2030 Agenda;
– presented and clarified the 17 goals of the programme;
– we made sure that the children understood how closely the goals affect them and the
importance of each individual’s contribution to achieving them.
After several topics covered, the students ended the afternoon with a meditation part and the
creation of a mandala on the beach, a more fun way to connect with nature, giving each mandala its
own meaning and creating it by searching for natural elements.
The term mandala means ‘circle’; in Indian tradition, they represent life, birth, maturity and rebirth.
Mindfulness means being aware, in the present moment and without judgement, of what is
happening in your mind, in your body and around you. It means taking back control of your life and
knowing how to direct it in the right direction.
A fair compromise that united mindfulness and mandala in one direction, to best conclude the
session, uniting nature, awareness.
Author: Enza Procopio (JUMP Team)
