The Kids Are Still Climbing Trees (Even in the Digital Age)

A charming letter to the editor recently appeared in The Irish Times. The writer described seeing something so rare he questioned his breakfast mushrooms. 😂 Gasp!! A child climbing a tree! He hadn’t seen such a thing in 25 or 30 years.

It hit home for many readers because, sadly, it’s often true. In today’s world, kids are more likely to be glued to screens than perched in branches.

But not here.

At Nature’s Schoolhouse, our learners climb trees every single day.

Yes, we use technology. In fact, our program relies on online tools to offer a truly learner-paced experience; something that helps each child take ownership of their education and grow at their own speed.

But we know that kids also need more than screens. They need dirt under their nails, sun on their shoulders, and long stretches of time for unstructured play, organic learning, and outdoor exploration.

Tree climbing builds confidence, balance, problem-solving, and joy. And when it’s paired with intentional academic support and learner-led pacing, something beautiful happens: kids actually love to learn.

So if you, too, catch sight of a child climbing a tree and feel a flicker of hope for the future, know that it’s not just a rare glitch in the system.

In our world, it’s still beautifully normal. 🌳

💛