March 30, 2026
Picture this: your toddler squatting down to watch a line of ants carrying crumbs across the sidewalk, completely mesmerized. Or your preschooler collecting fallen leaves, sorting them by color and size with intense concentration. These moments of wonder aren't just adorable—they represent something profound happening in your child's developing mind and heart.
In our increasingly digital world, connecting children with nature has become both more challenging and more essential. Research consistently shows that early experiences in nature lay the foundation for environmental stewardship, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. As parents navigating the busy streets of Santiago or any modern city, you might wonder how to foster this connection meaningfully.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, we've witnessed for over three decades how children from diverse cultural backgrounds—representing more than 35 countries—develop a deep appreciation for the natural world when given the opportunity. Our child-centered approach recognizes that ecological awareness isn't taught through lectures; it's nurtured through direct, joyful experiences with nature.
This article will help you understand what ecological awareness looks like at different ages, provide practical strategies you can implement today, and reassure you that fostering this connection doesn't require a cabin in the woods—just intentional moments of wonder.
Children's relationship with nature evolves beautifully as they grow, and understanding these developmental stages can help you support their journey. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and these descriptions represent general patterns rather than strict timelines.
At this stage, children experience nature primarily through their senses. You might see your little one:
This sensory exploration is their first introduction to the natural world, and it forms the foundation for later understanding. In our Growing Steps program, we provide safe outdoor spaces where infants can experience grass beneath their hands, sunlight filtering through trees, and the sounds of nature all around them.
As children enter their second and third years, their curiosity becomes more active and purposeful. Look for signs like:
According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children at this stage learn primarily through direct interaction with their environment. Nature provides an unparalleled classroom for this hands-on learning.
Children in this age group begin making connections and developing early scientific thinking. You might observe:
As children approach school age, their ecological awareness becomes more sophisticated. They often:
Research published in the journal Environmental Education Research confirms that children who have regular, positive experiences in nature during early childhood are more likely to develop pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors as adults.
The good news is that fostering ecological awareness doesn't require expertise, expensive equipment, or extensive time in wilderness areas. Here are practical, actionable strategies you can start implementing today, adapted for life in Santiago or any urban environment.
Consistency matters more than duration. Consider establishing simple daily practices:
These rituals work for all ages. An infant might simply be carried outside to feel the breeze, while a five-year-old might make detailed weather predictions based on cloud formations.
Natural "loose parts"—sticks, stones, leaves, seed pods, shells—are among the most valuable play materials available. They encourage creativity, problem-solving, and deep engagement with the natural world.
How to implement this:
At Runningbrook, our extensive outdoor play spaces are designed with this philosophy in mind. Children have access to natural materials that they can manipulate freely, supporting our play-based learning approach.
Your own attitude toward nature is perhaps the most powerful teaching tool you have. Children are incredibly attuned to adult responses, and your genuine curiosity becomes contagious.
Try these approaches:
Help children understand that nature isn't separate from our lives—it's woven through everything we do.
Practical ways to make these connections:
Caring for living things develops empathy, responsibility, and understanding of life processes.
Age-appropriate nurturing activities:
In our multicultural environment at Runningbrook, we've learned that different cultures bring beautiful and varied perspectives on humanity's relationship with nature. Some families come from traditions where nature is seen as sacred, others from cultures with deep agricultural roots, and still others from urban backgrounds where nature appreciation takes different forms.
These diverse perspectives enrich children's understanding and remind us that there's no single "right" way to connect with nature. Some families might emphasize gardening and growing food, others storytelling about animals and natural phenomena, and others outdoor adventure and exploration.
What matters is that children receive the message that nature is worthy of attention, care, and wonder—and that message can be delivered in countless culturally meaningful ways.
For families raising bilingual children, nature provides a wonderful context for language development in both languages. Nature vocabulary is often among children's first words ("bird," "tree," "sun"), and the sensory richness of outdoor experiences supports memory and language retention.
At Runningbrook, our bilingual education approach means children learn to name, describe, and discuss nature in both English and Spanish, building a rich vocabulary that spans both languages. This dual-language approach also introduces children to different cultural perspectives on nature embedded in each language.
As we navigate the complexities of raising children in the 21st century, it's reassuring to remember that one of the most valuable gifts we can give them is also one of the simplest: time in nature, guided by loving adults who share their wonder.
You don't need to be a naturalist, biologist, or outdoor expert to nurture your child's ecological awareness. You simply need to be present, curious, and willing to slow down enough to notice the world alongside your child.
Remember, you are the expert on your own child. You know their interests, their sensitivities, their unique way of engaging with the world. Trust your instincts as you find the approaches that work best for your family.
The early childhood years offer a precious window for developing a lifelong love of nature. Children who form emotional connections with the natural world during these years carry that connection forward, becoming adults who value and protect the environment.
At Runningbrook, our child-centered approach to early childhood development has always included a deep commitment to connecting children with nature. Through our small group sizes and dedicated educators, we ensure that every child has opportunities to explore, wonder, and develop their own relationship with the natural world.
Whether your child is in our Growing Steps program experiencing their first grass beneath their fingers, or in Pre-Kinder tending the garden and observing life cycles, we believe that nature is one of our most important teachers.
So today, step outside with your child. Find a leaf, watch a cloud, feel the breeze. In that simple moment, you're nurturing something precious: a human being who feels connected to and responsible for the beautiful world we all share.