children outdoors are not only a great way to connect with nature and the environment
Outdoor learning is nothing new.
Children have been learning outdoors, using their developing bodies and minds to make sense of the world around them, for thousands of years. Then came the technology revolution and we (adults and kids) replaced outdoor time with gadgets.
There is no dearth of research on how the health and development of young minds and bodies are being impacted by this shift.
The introduction of outdoor learning and play as a part of the curriculum in childcare and schools helps balance this shift. It is designed to aid your child’s physical, emotional and intellectual wellbeing.
Let’s look at a few reasons why outdoor play is important for young minds and bodies.
- Improved physic activity can be linked to numerous health benefits – fitness, metabolic function and bone health. Some studies indicate lack of access to the outdoors as a reason for depression and obesity in children.
- Healthy behaviour habits are linked to outdoor play with research also indicating that these habits are likely to continue into adulthood.
- Supports holistic learning. As they grow, children must achieve – exploring, risk-taking, fine and gross motor development and absorption of basic knowledge.
- Children need opportunities to explore, experiment, manipulate, reconfigure, expand, influence, change, marvel, discover, practise, dam up, push their limits, yell, sing, and create.
- The dynamic natural environment is the most efficient place to express and learn all these skills. The outdoor environment offers unique stimuli that capture children’s attention and interest.
- The exploration of natural elements is also important to capture children’s attention to the richness and diversity of nature. Through outdoor play and the exploration of natural elements, it is possible to promote education in its broadest sense.
- To learn about their own physical and emotional capabilities, children must push their limits (eg. How high can I swing?). To learn about the physical world, the child must experiment with the physical world.
- Builds independence and confidence, especially when adults such as educators exercise controlled autonomy and encourage children to explore independently.
- Inspires creative thinking as children use their imagination and use objects around them for stimulus.
- Improves social skills.
What outdoor-based learning at childcare looks like?
While outdoor play within a childcare is important, getting them out and about in natural environments for their outdoor learning is even better.
Programmes such as Nature’s Point Outdoor Adventures Programme extends learning into the reserve that backs its building.
The programme also has a strong focus on encouraging the children to be guardians of the environment.
Conclusion
The most important tool for learning is neither the latest technology nor sitting in front of a board. It is our intrinsic motivation, curiosity and sense of wonder. Nature, experiencing with all senses and trusting relationships with teachers are essential.
Outdoor Play Every Day is great for our children’s overall health and well-being.
It helps them develop into capable, confident humans and gives them a variety of skills to help them navigate on their journey through life.
When it comes to the weather and play, it doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or raining, the benefits are still the same. There is no discimination.
Remember ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing next time it’s raining, remind yourself of some of these benefits, dress for the weather, Take Them Outside and Let Them Play!
Outdoor Play every day is beneficial for our kids’ overall well-being and health. It aids them in developing into confident, competent human beings and provides them with a range of abilities to aid them on their path through life.
In the case of playing and weather regardless of whether it’s raining or sunny, however, the benefits remain the same. There’s no distinction.
There is no such problem as bad weather. only unsuitable clothes’.
When it starts to rain you should think of the benefits of dressing to conditions, Take Them Outside and let them play!
Nature is a laboratory for science! In the event of rain, there are many things to learn and observe about. Water is a life-sustaining element and helps support every ecosystem. But it also has the ability to disappear completely in a matter of hours. Where goes it? What is it like to taste? What is the weight? There’s a lot to know about rain and water, but for a true understanding of it, it needs to be felt. Be aware that there’s beyond just rain but it doesn’t stop there!
