Today’s world is busy and complex. We tend to have very little time for ourselves or for exploring our surroundings. But children need the outdoors to develop fully among nature. Its benefits go beyond their physical improvement and should be made a priority for their growth.
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of outdoor play and nature exploration for young children and how it can positively impact their development.
Their physical development
Taking children outdoors is the best way for them to indulge in activities such as jumping, running, lifting things, catching, throwing, climbing and pulling. These motor skills develop over time and strengthen their bones and muscles. They also help in improving their balance and coordination.
Outdoor activities allow children to play harder than they usually do indoors. It also gives them the necessary but safe amounts of vitamin D.
Cognitive Development
Children are little explorers by nature. Taking them outside will make them ask inquisitive questions which can then be turned into fun group activities as per the curriculum.
Being outside can help them improve their attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills. It can also foster a sense of curiosity and wonder. For instance, it can improve their creativity and imagination. When children are outside, they have the opportunity to explore their surroundings and come up with new ideas. They can also use natural materials to create art or build structures, which can help to develop their creativity.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who spend more time outside during recess exhibit better academic performance over the years than those who don’t.
Social and Emotional Development
Outdoor play and exploration provides children a natural break from devices and the ever-increasing screen time. This makes it an even more important activity. It allows them to engage with their peers and develop mutual respect for the world around them. They are able to practise their social and emotional skills such as engaging with others. encouragement, problem-solving, following rules of a game, and empathy.
According to Dr. Katie K. Lockwood, a paediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “Outdoor play helps children grow socially, helping them to develop healthy ways of forming friendships, responding to physical interaction, and using their imaginations to entertain each other.” These social skills are useful at later stages in life and such children find it easier to form connections with others.
It has also been found that children who spend more time outside are less likely to experience stress or anxiety. They tend to be happier and more relaxed than those who do not. Moreover, outdoor play can help children develop a positive self-image and a sense of independence.
Schedule outdoor time
While outdoor play and nature exploration are essential for children’s development, it can be challenging to ensure that children get enough outdoor time, especially in today’s world.
As parents and caregivers, you can plan outdoor activities like picnics, hikes, or nature walks and encourage children to play outside with outdoor toys like balls or frisbees.
It is equally important for schools to incorporate outdoor activities into the curriculum or provide outdoor learning opportunities. To implement this, our campus provides a safe, environmentally friendly space for our students to engage with nature. Our classrooms open into outdoor spaces and allow them to touch, feel, see and smell and form a bond with nature. Through our efforts, we hope to develop our students into responsible and environmentally conscious citizens.
