Did you know that only about 30 percent of children play outside every day? Outside play is crucial to a child’s health and development. Even though it may look like a child is just playing on the swings or doing jumping jacks, the outdoors are certainly one of the most underrated learning resources.
In fact, you can use the outdoors as an outdoor classroom; the benefits are amazing!
Now, if you’re unsure if it’s right for your students, don’t worry. From exercise to developing friendships, you can learn about the best benefits of outdoor play today.
Are you ready to get started? Here’s a quick look at the advantages of outdoor play:
Exercise
Now, exercise certainly happens inside. However, children are most active outside. In fact, a recent study found that children are twice as active when outside. After all, there’s so much more to do, whether it be swinging on the swings, running, jumping, or playing on preschool playground equipment.
Plus, these activities not only help burn calories but aid in developing muscle strength. Not to mention, being outside in the sun naturally improves a child’s mood and strengthens the immune system. So by simply being outside, your children are enhancing their overall health – how great is that?
Develop Friendships
Children who play outside tend to be more aware of others as well as themselves. After all, outdoor play often requires teamwork, imagination, and communication skills which all help children have positive exchanges with one another. Now, of course, there will be small squabbles about whose turn it is or who won but generally, children who play outside will likely all get along.
By playing together and exploring the outdoors, children will start to develop friendships. These friendships will not only help children learn about each other but also about other cultures and different family dynamics. Children will even learn how to set boundaries and be empathic towards one another.
Expanded Learning Space
The outdoors is more than a playground; it’s a space for learning. For example, you can teach fractions by dividing groups of children or teach about insects by seeing nature firsthand.
You can also include educational toys or materials to make learning outside fun and interactive. For instance, if you’re on a hillside, you could safely recreate the Jack and Jill nursery rhyme to get children excited about reading. You could even invite students to write their own verse to make the rhythm their own.
Having an outdoor classroom curriculum shows children that learning takes place anywhere! It invites students to not only be creative but to explore the world around them.
Use An Outdoor Classroom Today
Outdoor play is crucial to the health and development of children. It not only improves a child’s mood but it helps in advancing social skills in children. Plus, it’s educational, you can teach children about nature, as well as subjects like math and reading.
So what are you waiting for? Start your outdoor curriculum today!
Now, if you’d like to learn more information about how to start an outdoor classroom, contact us. We look forward to helping you!
