The benefits of outdoor play

Benefits of outdoor play: Children are spending more time indoors, whether they are viewing Netflix or playing on their phones or iPads. According to studies, this can have negative effects on their health and development. Outdoor play has countless benefits, and this is also true in a childcare or kindergarten context. Here are just six of the many benefits of outdoor play!

Benefits of outdoor play

Health and Physical Development

Having more space to play typically encourages children to be more physically active. Children burn more calories when playing outside, which helps prevent obesity and develops strong bones and muscles, according to studies. 

Physical skills are essential for development, movement, and coordination, and there is no better place than outdoors for sprinting, jumping, throwing, and catching.  All of these activities contribute to gross motor development. 

Vitamin D, which leads to stronger bones, improved sleep regulation, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases, is naturally produced when children are exposed to sunlight (while wearing UV protection).

Social Skills Development

Children can develop their social skills by interacting with and cooperating with other children during outdoor play. This unstructured play helps children develop positive social and behavioural skills, such as sharing and taking turns.

Typically, outdoor play areas are less congested than indoor ones, making them less intimidating. This may indicate that children are more comfortable interacting with diverse individuals, participating in games, and making new acquaintances. 

At bestchance Family Day Care, wilderness playgroups are an integral component of numerous Educators' programmes. These playgroups and outings are organised in conjunction with other Family Day Care organisations in the area. Multiple bestchance Family Day Care Educators, children, and support personnel frequently visit the Doongalla picnic grounds to engage in natural play and exploration. The children are able to interact in a larger-than-usual group and become acquainted with other Educators, thereby creating a secure community. These groups investigate local parks and other attractions, then discuss their observations.

Buy These Outdoor Playing Products on Amazon

GoodLuck Baybee Super Senior Baby Slide for Kids & Babies Slide

| Garden and School Toy Home Slides Indoor/Outdoor Slider for

Childrens (Super_Blue/Red) (Blue)

Step Over Bouncy Fitness (Limited Edition) Trampoline TUV Approved Trampoline

with (MAX WEIGHT-300KGS) Enclosure net and Poles Safety Pad Ladder

Jumping Mat 16 Feet Trampoline ✰ Commercial Edition

Vector X Venus TRU Machine Stitched Football | Training | Match |

Sports | Playing | Practice | Multicolor | Size- 5

Independence and Exploration

More space increases the likelihood that children will develop independence, both when playing with other children and when playing alone. Outdoor play equipment may be slightly more dangerous than indoor games, but there are numerous advantages to this. Children can develop risk assessment skills and test their limits, which are both essential learning opportunities. When children explore new areas and attempt new things, they gain confidence in themselves and feel secure enough to try new things without supervision. Children gain the confidence and skills necessary to evaluate and manage hazards and challenges on their own through practise.

Outdoor play is also a fantastic method to foster imagination. The objects and natural environment that surround children outdoors stimulate their imaginations. Utilising one's imagination, a leaf or a marble can be anything.

Cultural Learning

The land on which we reside and play can help children develop an appreciation for other cultures. Kindergarten students on Mainview Boulevard recently participated in a Walk on Country. Justin paid them a visit and imparted his knowledge of Indigenous culture. Justin instructed the children on the medicinal properties of the Eucalyptus tree, also known as a medicine tree.

Maiko, an educator at a family day care centre, also imparts her Japanese culture through outdoor education. As part of her programme in Sustainability and Nature, she decided to plant rice in her courtyard. It was a lengthy and meticulously planned procedure. Maiko invested months in soil preparation. The students participated in the planting and maintenance of the rice crop. Rice takes approximately five months to mature, and the children routinely monitored its development. When the rice was mature, the children helped harvest it and then bundled it for curing. 

Amazon Best Deal

Noise Pulse 2 Max 1.85" Display, Bluetooth Calling Smart Watch,

10 Days Battery, 550 NITS Brightness, Smart DND, 100 Sports Modes,

Smartwatch for Men and Women (Jet Black)

Mood and Appreciation for Nature

Time spent in nature is associated with elevated mood and contentment. Additionally, fresh air is a great method to reduce stress levels. As mentioned, children receive Vitamin D naturally when they play outside, which, according to studies, improves their temperament and promotes better sleep.

But what about when the weather is cloudy?

Numerous family day care educators and kindergartens encourage outdoor play in a variety of weather conditions. Children are taught about the weather, the changing of the seasons, and how to stay secure in various conditions.  An additional benefit of outdoor play in early childhood is that children who identify with nature at a young age are more likely to become individuals who value nature and wish to protect the environment.

Also read: Benefits Of Eating Ghee

Improving sensory skills and learning

Children's learning abilities are enhanced through outdoor play. Particularly infants and preschool-aged children acquire new information through their senses. At Sonia's Family Day Care, outdoor activity is a significant component of the curriculum and encourages the development of all five senses. During a recent day of outdoor play, the children collected leaves, contrasted their sizes, lengths, and colours (sight), and discovered that the trees with the longest leaves are the large mountain grey gums. The children dug in the vegetable plot, turning the soil, and discovered many earthworms (touch). They learned that healthy soil contains many earthworms (their soil must be quite healthy!).

The children at Sonia's Family Day Care have been sowing potatoes and onions. A week ago, they noticed that their labour was beginning to pay off, as vegetables began to emerge from the soil and the onions multiplied in size. When they began to feel large raindrops on their skin, they remained outside and danced in the rain. This type of sensory activity outdoors can help children feel more connected to their surroundings.

Therefore, let's go outside and experience nature. When planning activities for your child, strive to let his or her imagination and play take the lead. Dress appropriately for the climate, including sun protection and warm clothing if it is frigid. Most significantly, let your child explore, learn, and play while having fun!