How important is outdoor play and what are the benefits of it?
The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children
Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s growth and development. It gives children the chance to learn, explore, and develop important skills.
In this blog, we will discuss the advantages of outdoor play for children and how it can aid in their physical, emotional, and social development. We’ll also look at how nurseries can include outdoor play into their curriculum while also providing a safe and exciting environment for children to learn and play.
According to a recent National Trust study, children spend only half as much time outside as their parents do. This is a concerning trend because children benefit greatly from outdoor play. It aids in developing motor skills, improves physical fitness, and lowers the risk of obesity. Outdoor play also aids in the development of children’s social skills and creative thinking.
Some of the advantages of outdoor play for children are as follows
Physical Development: Outdoor play helps children develop their gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing. It also helps them develop their fine motor skills, such as picking up small objects and manipulating tools.
Mental Health: Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and anxiety in children. It can also improve their mood and increase their sense of well-being.
Social Skills: Outdoor play provides children with opportunities to interact with other children and develop their social skills. It can help them learn how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts.
Creativity: Outdoor play encourages children to use their imagination and be creative. It provides them with opportunities to explore and experiment with the world around them.
Cognitive Development: Outdoor play can help children develop their cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
“The facilities at the nursery a really good, extracurricular activities and the outdoor space is great for the children.
Everything at the nursery is great, again the staff, food, learning and facilities. The forest school and learning Spanish is an extra bonus.”
Tips for Incorporating Outdoor Activities into Nursery Programs
Here are some tips for incorporating outdoor activities into nursery programs
Plan Ahead: Plan outdoor activities in advance and make sure you have all the necessary equipment and materials.
Safety First: Ensure that the outdoor environment is safe for children. Check for hazards such as sharp objects, poisonous plants, and uneven surfaces.
Be Flexible: Be flexible with your plans and allow children to explore and play freely. Encourage them to use their imagination and be creative.
Encourage Exploration: Provide children with opportunities to explore and discover the natural world. Encourage them to touch, smell, and observe the environment around them.
Make it Fun: Make outdoor activities fun and engaging for children. Use games, songs, and stories to encourage participation and keep children interested.
Involve Parents: Involve parents in outdoor activities by inviting them to participate or providing them with information about the activities.
Use Natural Materials: Use natural materials such as sticks, leaves, and rocks to encourage creativity and exploration.
Provide Opportunities for Risk-Taking: Provide children with opportunities to take risks in a safe and controlled environment. This can help them develop their confidence and resilience.
Incorporate Learning Objectives: Incorporate learning objectives into outdoor activities. For example, you could use outdoor activities to teach children about science, math, or language.
Outdoor play is a time for children to explore, learn, and have fun. Enjoy the experience with them!
Join our passionate team at the nursery! We welcome children aged 3 months to 5 years and our dedicated staff adore their work.
Give us a call at 01923388281, or reach out via email if you have any questions.