Cubby houses in playgrounds prove beneficial as study finds kids who play in “nature-inspired” environments show improved concentration.

Kathleen Bagot’s study followed 500 children from 14 primary schools, comparing motor co-ordination, flexibility, strength and mathematical ability of children who played in “greener” environments compared with children who played on asphalt.

She discovered that children who played with greener, natural environments in the form of cubby houses, vegetable gardens and nature trails displayed improved concentration in the classroom and greater flexibility and strength.

The evidence showed that if children are surrounded with nature and grassy spaces, they can refresh and improve their strength much more quickly than those children who stay inside.

source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/learning-comes-naturally-for-some-20100123-mrnw.html