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Topical Tuesdays: Children Aren’t Connecting with Nature – KS2 News Story and Reading and Writing Activity Sheet from The Week Junior

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A new National Trust survey of over 1,000 children and 2,000 adults, found that more than three quarters of children aged between eight and 15 rarely or never listen to birdsong, and that even more never watch the Sun rise (90%), look at clouds (79%) or smell wildflowers (83%).

The report also found that young people were happier if they were relaxing outdoors, and wellbeing was improved by engaging with activities connected to the natural world, such as writing poems and songs about animals or celebrating natural events.

This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:

  • Discuss whether you think activities in or about nature should be part of the school curriculum, or whether it should be a personal choice as to whether you engage with it or not.
  • Think about a time you spent in nature and write a recount of it, including all the sights, sounds and smells you experienced.
  • Write an informal, persuasive letter from nature to you, asking you to look after it. It can be funny or emotional.
  • Write fact files (perhaps even including a sketch) for three to five species of bird you have seen where you live.

Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download here.

What is The Week Junior?

The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.

To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.



  • news story
  • activities sheet
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