Optimising early childhood educational settings for health using nature-based solutions: the microbiome aspect

Jake M. Robinson; Alexia Barrable

doi:10.3390/educsci13020211

Optimising early childhood educational settings for health using nature-based solutions: the microbiome aspect

Jake M. Robinson
, Alexia Barrable (Lead / Corresponding author)

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

243 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Early childhood is a time of rapid physiological, cognitive, and social development, affected by various environmental factors. The physical environment, including the environmental microbiome (the entire consortium of microorganisms and their theatre of activity in a given environment), plays an essential role in childhood development and can be shaped in ways to support health and wellbeing. In this Perspective article, we present considerations for early childhood education settings that wish to shape their outdoor and indoor environments to optimise human and ecosystem health. This is done in line with the latest evidence base on optimising health-supporting interactions between humans and environmental microbiota, but also in pedagogically and developmentally appropriate ways. Based on the Microbiome-Inspired Green Infrastructure (MIGI) principles, the considerations presented here not only support health through human–nature interactions and a healthier natural environment, but also promote a closer, reciprocal relationship between children and their natural environments.

Original language	English
Article number	211
Number of pages	15
Journal	Education Sciences
Volume	13
Issue number	2
Early online date	16 Feb 2023
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020211
Publication status	Published - Feb 2023

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 4 Quality Education

Keywords

early childhood
health
human–nature interactions
microbiome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Computer Science (miscellaneous)
Education
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Computer Science Applications
Public Administration

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10.3390/educsci13020211Licence: CC BY

Final published versionFinal published version, 2.73 MBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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Optimising early childhood educational settings for health using nature-based solutions: the microbiome aspect

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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