The Influence of the Natural Environment on Children’s Language Development: A Review

Human development is a lifelong process of growth and development. Cognitive development is important for children to adjust to their social environment. Language development is considered as one of the primary areas of children’s cognitive development. The main objective of this review is to explore the influence of natural environment and nature-based activities in children’s language development. Additionally, it intends to identify the benefits of natural environment and nature-based activities in improving other cognitive skills including sensation, attention, concentration, creativity and problem solving that are important for language development. Further, it explores physical, social and psychological benefits of natural environment. By employing qualitative method and the narrative review approach, this research explores the influence of the natural environment and nature-based activities on children’s language development. The literature that discussed effects of natural environment and nature-based environment on children’s language and cognitive development was selected for this review and was analyzed thematically. It is evident that natural environment, nature-based environments and nature-based activities increase opportunities for children to develop language and other cognitive skills. Both parents and educators can benefit from exposing children to natural environment and allowing them to engage in play activities in natural environments that enhance language development.