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Guest Post by Djew Bennis
Noise pollution includes the unpleasant sounds made within our environment
that affect our physical health and emotional well-being. An added concern
expressed by audiologists is when someone is exposed to loud noise (higher
than 85 decibels or dBs), especially for long periods of time.
What better way to escape noise pollution than by communing with nature!
What better way to escape noise pollution than by communing with nature!

One of the unpredicted advantages of the travel ban these past few years was the absence of humans to national parks and common areas. As a result, certain populations of birds were able to migrate and populate; their songs are filling skies and people’s emotional health banks.
Researchers remind us that enjoying bird and water sounds has been proven to lower stress levels and improve mood. Psychologists give evidence to support the sounds of nature may diminish pain, lower heart rates, and heighten cognitive abilities. Landscape designers mention that water features are requested more often than any other element, to mask noise and make urban spaces more appealing.

Masking noise (defined by unwanted or irritating sound) has been a rising
concern for decades, but even more so since people have upped their
participation in working remotely, Zoom sessions, and trying to combat
anxiety.
Fortunately, not all sounds are created equal. Including a listening walk into your weekly agenda would increase your time outdoors, increase your physical activity, but also give you practice with your observation skills.
Fortunately, not all sounds are created equal. Including a listening walk into your weekly agenda would increase your time outdoors, increase your physical activity, but also give you practice with your observation skills.

Supplement your outdoor experience by carrying it across the rest of your
curriculum.
🍎 Math: Gather data on noise pollution and create a pie graph showing the environmental sounds that are the most harmful.
🍎 Reading: Discover and share books about birds and nature walks.
🍎 Science: Design an experiment to generate different water sounds.
🍎 Music: Seek out nature sound audio tracks to enjoy and then talk about how they make you feel.
🍎 Geography: Find out which state parks have bird trails and bodies of water.
🍎 Writing: Look at photos from nature and use descriptive words to create poetry
🍎 Math: Gather data on noise pollution and create a pie graph showing the environmental sounds that are the most harmful.
🍎 Reading: Discover and share books about birds and nature walks.
🍎 Science: Design an experiment to generate different water sounds.
🍎 Music: Seek out nature sound audio tracks to enjoy and then talk about how they make you feel.
🍎 Geography: Find out which state parks have bird trails and bodies of water.
🍎 Writing: Look at photos from nature and use descriptive words to create poetry

As a proud mom (of humans & fur babies), Djew Bennis is a retired
teacher and educational consultant with 35+ years spanning many
classroom settings/abilities and grade levels. A background in
literacy, early learning (B-5), and special needs provide diverse
perspectives in her role as host of the Homeschool Whisperer and
Homeschool Whisperings Facebook groups. Please visit Djew’s website
http://www.heartstringsandtailspins.wordpress.com
to connect and learn more.

Did you enjoy learning about the benefits of taking a nature walk with your
students? If so, check out these related blog posts:
- Book + Craft: Leaves in Fall by Mari Schuh
- Book List: 10+ Children's Books About Mindfulness
- STEM: How Do Seeds Travel?
- Book + Craft: Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
- Pro Tip: 15 Reasons Why Children Need Recess
- Book + Craft: Goose Farm Adventure by Kenyetta Obie
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