Outdoor Play

The Benefits Of Outdoor Play Affecting Children’s Health, Learning And Development

Outdoor play allows children to explore their environment, develop their physical skills further and gain self-confidence. The outdoors gives children a kind of freedom that differs to their experience indoors; as children are naturally drawn to the outside, we can use this to provide activities that expand their learning in all aspects. Playing outside affects a child’s physical development a great amount, allowing them to refine different skills. For example, providing water play helps children extend their fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination through pouring, stirring and containing all while providing an entirely new texture and physical state.
They need to be shown that what they are going to do is safe and will be successful because if they are shown the opposite, they will be more reluctant to do it again. For example, if a child has gained the confidence to jump from two steps but hurts their knee as they land, they will be less confident when they next attempt it and maybe show fear and want assistance. It’s significant to always have a positive attitude, allow children take such risks, praise them when they complete them and not make a fuss if they do bump themselves. Children can also relate to eachother when experiencing new activities and want to attempt them together, thus forming relationships. Once they become familiar with one another and the activities amongst them, they may gain more confidence by feeling free and more in control outside four walls. New imaginative play can be introduced relating to the outside world such as the use of zebra crossings and traffic lights. Children can also learn about caring for the environment by observing nature and insects. Providing a bug collecting kit and magnifying glasses, they can learn to care for others and observe animal features and their lifestyles. This affects them on an emotional level as they learn of their significance in the world, how they are similar and different to all beings and what makes them
Children can expand their vocabulary as the temperature grows warmer and colder, leaves fall off trees, snow falls and rain forms puddles on the ground. A great sensory experience is provided as well as an opportunity to teach children about the concept of time, seasons, weather and why they occur. Children who’s minds are very active are more likely to prefer being outside than indoors. When it comes to sitting down and doing work, you as a keyworker may have to rethink your learning strategies and take the learning experience outside so the child has a better understanding as it’s their best interest. Activities could include chalking on the floor outside and drawing shapes and numbers or writing their name. The outside is also an opportunity to learn through imaginative play. By arranging treasure hunts or playing “detective”, you could help children become more familiar with rhyme through riddles or place shapes, numbers, letters and colours in plain sight for them to find. Providing planting experiences allows children to learn about lifecycles and growth and decay. The outside provides many opportunities for new learning experiences all in children’s best