Keeping kids active is always a very important concept for parents and other caregivers, but it's also important to focus on varied kinds of activity. One broad type that's absolutely essential for young child development: Outdoor play.
At Devlin's Child Development Center, outdoor time like recess and various other activities are a major part of our Sandy child care programs, which include preschool, daycare, after school care and more. What makes outdoor play, in particular, such an important form of play for children? How can parents, educators and other caregivers encourage outdoor play in kids? Let's dive into these important topics.
The outdoors offer endless opportunity for children to express themselves imaginatively, whether they're constructing an imaginary kingdom in the backyard or playing tag with friends. Creative play helps kids develop problem-solving skills and also encourages them to think outside of the box when it comes to thinking up solutions to challenges.
For instance, a group of children might build a makeshift castle out of sticks and rocks in the backyard, creating a safe haven for their stuffed animal kingdom. The same kids could then come up with imaginative games to entertain themselves within that space they've created.
When kids interact with the outdoors, they're exposed to a variety of problems that must be solved. Not only is this good for developing problem-solving skills, but it also helps kids learn how to approach and address challenges on their own.
For example, if children are playing a game of tag, they must strategize how to catch the other players while avoiding capture themselves - all while avoiding natural obstacles like trees, rocks and bushes. Kids must also develop strategies for navigating their way around the yard or playground. This teaches them how to think on their feet and approach various problems from different angles.
Naturally, as you may have already guessed, another important benefit of outdoor play is that it encourages physical fitness and helps kids develop gross motor skills. For instance, outdoor activities like running, jumping and climbing help children become more agile and physically fit. Additionally, through outdoor play, kids also learn how to safely interact with their environment as well as others around them.
On the flip side, kids who do not get adequate outdoor play may not develop these gross motor skills. Additionally, physical inactivity can lead to obesity, which can have long-term health implications as children grow into adulthood.
Another major benefit of outdoor play is that it can have a positive effect on cognitive development. Studies have shown that exposure to nature and the outdoors can help increase attention span, reduce stress levels and even improve academic performance.
Think about a simple outdoor activity like a game of catch. This activity provides an opportunity for children to practice their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and even basic mathematics (like counting up how many times the ball has been thrown).
While social skills can be built in several environments, the outdoors provides a unique opportunity for kids to interact and engage with others in an informal environment. From making friends during recess to problem-solving as part of a team, outdoor play offers opportunities for children to build relationships and learn how to navigate different types of social interactions.
Finally, outdoor play can help children develop a better sense of self. From developing a more positive attitude and creating their own rules, to exploring the environment around them, outdoor play provides an opportunity for kids to discover who they are and what they're capable of achieving. They can also learn the importance of taking risks and start to understand the consequences of their decisions.
Overall, outdoor play has numerous benefits for children, including physical, cognitive and social development. It also helps encourage a sense of self-discovery and creativity - all while having fun in the process!
Here are some simple parent tips on how to encourage children to play outdoors and foster their love of these kinds of activities:
By providing a safe and stimulating outdoor environment for children, parents can help foster their love of physical activity as well as promote healthy emotional and cognitive development. The key is to make sure kids are having fun and feeling engaged, as that's when they'll get the most out of their outdoor experiences.
For more on this, or to learn about how we infuse outdoor play into our various Sandy child care programs, speak to our staff at Devlin's Child Development Center today.