Learning Through Outdoor Play

Learning Through Outdoor Play

In recent years there has been an increasing movement towards less time spent learning outdoors, this cultural shift has been in part fear amongst adults of children’s safety as well as the advance of technology which means there are far more indoor distractions for young people which prevent them from engaging in the activities which were part of their parents and grandparent’s childhoods.

Despite the challenges to children getting outdoors for learning and play, it has long been recognised there are benefits to childhood development through being outside and getting engaged in outdoor play. Benefits for youngsters were identified formally around 11 years-ago when the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum from birth to the end of the first year of primary or infant school became statutory and it placed a strong emphasis on the value of outdoor youth experiences.

Out Of The Class Room & Into The big wide World!
Learning out of the classroom supports the development of an active and healthier lifestyle for children, and promotes freedom, movement and offers more wellbeing opportunities.

Outdoor learning can provide children with contact with nature which they might not otherwise experience, this can be help to enlighten their environmental knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Playing outside of the classrooom can support a child’s problem-solving skills, nurturing a greater sense of creativity and opportunities to develop imagination and life skills such as resourcefulness.

Outside playing and learning gives youngsters the space both outwards and upwards to express themselves and new places to explore which indoor play would simply not offer.

Where outdoor play is fully supervised, it can offer those in early years learning to have the opportunity to play safely whilst learning about risks and learn how to meet challenges.

For some children, playing outdoors offers a special learning opportunity, and for those who learn best from sensory and physical experiences, outdoor play can support brain development.

Childcare Choices

When it comes to childcare choices, it is important that parents know the elements which go into the childcare provision which they are paying for so that they know what their youngster is getting.

Mental Development

A challenging and stimulating environment is important for the mental development of a young person, and the experiences for the youngster should include an element of outdoor play so that little ones can see the bigger picture and the wider world around them including the natural world.

Physical Development

The facilities of any childcare provider are important as well as the play equipment which is on-hand for young people. Physical activity helps children to build, strengthen and maintain muscles. It is a good idea to get these developed at a younger age, otherwise it can hinder development later on.