It’s very easy for us to let our children be dominated by screens, much like we are as adults. How much time do we spend watching television, on our laptop or scrolling through our phone?
We don’t have to subject our children to the same, and this is why we should listen to the call to return to nature. It’s why we’re proud to call ourselves an outdoor pre-school.
Outdoor play can offer a whole host of benefits for children that goes far beyond just simple enjoyment. While they may love running around outside, spending time in nature can offer them so much more. From fostering physical development to improving cognitive skills, the outdoors can provide an unparalleled environment for early years children (age 0 to 5).
Below, you can find 5 benefits of outdoor play. Drawing upon research and expert insights, we look into how spending time with nature can positively impact children’s development and spark their learning too.
What are the benefits of outdoor play in early years?
1. Physical Health
Playing and spending time outside has a huge positive impact on physical health. There’s so much space outside, leaving tons of space for your children to run, jump, climb, skip, and more! These kinds of activities help with motor skills development, co-ordination and muscle strength.
There’s the added bonus of Vitamin D consumption. Sunlight is one of the only sources of Vitamin D, besides drops/supplements, and it’s crucial for bone health and overall wellbeing.
2. Sensory Stimulation
It’s so important that children use their senses to explore their environment, and the outdoors offers a wonderful multi-sensory experience that just can’t be replicated inside.
They’re exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, textures and smells, all of which stimulate their senses to promote sensory development.
They’re getting their hands in soil, feeling the grass beneath their feet, listening to the birds (or the cows that live in the field in summer right by our pre-school!), smelling the grass and flowers, experiencing the feel of cold water, and so much more. Outdoor play can engage all the senses, fostering further sensory exploration and awareness.
3. Cognitive Development
Problem solving and creativity are essential for cognitive development, and it’s arguable that being outside offers more opportunities to be creative and solve problems.
We’re a pre-school that believes in ‘in the moment’ planning, so we allow the children to lead the activities of the day. They choose what they want to do! This really helps them to engage in imaginative play, explore their surroundings in a safe environment and experiment with natural materials.
The great outdoors offers so many playing scenarios and problem solving opportunities. Whether they’re building a fort out of sticks, making a fire, navigating through obstacle courses, or observing insects in a bug hotel, there are almost endless opportunities for learning.
4. Emotional Wellbeing
We’re always told to go for a walk, spend time outside, when we’re feeling a bit down. This is because spending time outdoors have been linked to better mental health and improved emotional wellbeing, even in children.
Fresh air, open spaces and inviting plants have a calming effect on children and adults alike. These things can reduce stress and anxiety levels. We want our children to have as much fun as possible, and absolutely don’t want them to feel anxious or stressed.
Outdoor play can promote a sense of freedom and independence, but it also improves self-confidence as children are able to navigate their environment, overcome challenges and take risks in an environment they’re safe and comfortable in.
5. Social Skills
As well as all the other benefits above, outdoor play can provide perfect opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. Whether they’re playing in the playground, taking part in group games and activities or exploring nature with their peers, children can learn really important social skills when they spend time with other kids. They learn communication, co-operation and even conflict resolution.
So there you have our 5 benefits of outdoor play, particularly in children aged 0 to 5. Did you know that parents in Nordic countries let their babies nap outside, even in super cold temperatures, because it’s thought that the fresh air positively impacts their sleep? The power of nature!
