Nowadays children are surrounded by televisions and other electronic devices, meaning playtime can end up being restricted to indoors only. However, making sure your child gets as much outdoor play as possible is more important than ever. When its time to enrol your child in a nursery, one of your main considerations should be how much time they will spend outdoors. Most modern nurseries make outdoor play a main part of their daily routine, and for good reason. Outdoor play is not just to get children out of the classroom,it’s an essential part of a child’s growth, helping to nurture physical, social, and emotional development.
Highlighting the Benefits
Outdoor play is a great way for young children to get the physical activity they need. It provides them with space to run, jump, climb and explore, all of which contribute to building strong muscles, improving coordination and boosting cardiovascular health. Children at nursery age are full of energy, and having a chance to use their energy outdoors helps them develop their gross motor skills, like balance and agility. Activities like climbing frames, chasing games, and even just running around offer valuable opportunities for developing these essential skills.
Also, spending time outside makes sure that children are exposed to sunlight, which is vital for producing Vitamin D. This vitamin plays a key role in promoting bone health and supporting the immune system. Outdoor play also helps to instil a love for being active, setting the foundation for a healthy lifestyle as children grow older. Instead of seeing exercise as a chore, children come to associate physical activity with fun and exploration, which encourages them to stay active in the future.
Encouraging Emotional and Mental Well-being
The benefits of outdoor play extend beyond physical health; it also greatly impacts emotional and mental well-being. Playing outside provides a sense of freedom that is difficult to replicate indoors. The open spaces, fresh air, and opportunities for discovery can improve a child’s mood, reduce stress, and help regulate their emotions. Nursery-aged children often experience big emotions that can be overwhelming, outdoor play provides a positive outlet for these feelings.
Being in nature has been shown to lower levels of anxiety in children, allowing them to feel more relaxed and at ease. The calming effects of natural surroundings can help children cope better with the challenges they face throughout the day, such as learning to share, dealing with frustration, or waiting their turn. Time spent outdoors is a natural stress reliever, and nurseries that incorporate outdoor play into their routine are helping children learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Developing Social Skills and Cooperative Play
Outdoor play is an ideal environment for children to learn social skills. When children play outside, they naturally interact with one another, working together in sandpits, playing hide and seek, or taking turns on the slide. These interactions help them learn to communicate effectively, cooperate with their peers, and understand the importance of teamwork. Through these shared experiences, children learn to negotiate, compromise, and resolve conflicts, key social skills that they will use throughout their lives.
The outdoor environment provides a unique space for imaginative play, which is often collaborative. A group of children may decide that a particular area of the playground is a pirate ship or a magical kingdom, and they work together to bring their shared fantasy to life. These types of imaginative games are not only fun, but they also teach children how to engage with others, develop empathy, and build friendships. Social skills developed during outdoor play lay the foundation for successful relationships both in school and later in life.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills and Resilience
Outdoor play is also a key contributor to cognitive development, particularly in developing problem-solving skills and resilience. When children are outside, they are often faced with minor challenges that they need to solve independently or with the help of their peers. Whether it’s figuring out how to climb a tree, working out how to balance on a log, or finding a way to build a den, these small challenges encourage children to think critically and develop solutions.
Problem-solving in an outdoor setting helps children to develop a sense of perseverance and resilience. When faced with an obstacle, such as struggling to climb a piece of equipment or losing a game, children learn to try again rather than give up. This builds emotional strength and teaches them that it’s okay to fail and try again. These are invaluable life lessons that help them face future challenges with confidence.
Connecting with Nature
In the busy, modern world, children are often disconnected from nature, which is why it’s crucial for them to have opportunities to explore the natural environment. Outdoor play offers children the chance to interact with the natural world, whether it’s examining insects, collecting leaves, or simply observing the changes in weather and seasons. This exposure develops curiosity about the world around them and encourages an early interest in science and the environment.
Connecting with nature also instils a sense of responsibility in children. When they learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, they are more likely to care for it. Activities like planting flowers, caring for a garden, or even simple activities like tidying up after playing outside, teach children the importance of looking after the environment. Developing this sense of responsibility is an important aspect of early education, and outdoor play is one of the best ways to introduce these concepts.
Encouraging Independence and Risk Assessment
One of the lesser-discussed but equally important benefits of outdoor play is that it encourages children to develop independence and understand risk assessment. Unlike indoor environments, which are often carefully controlled and monitored, outdoor play areas provide an element of unpredictability. Children are given the chance to explore, take minor risks, and make their own decisions. Whether it’s deciding if they can jump from a certain height or navigate a new climbing structure, they are learning to assess their abilities and make judgments about what feels safe for them.
Of course, these activities are always overseen by attentive staff who ensure that play is safe, but allowing children the freedom to take age-appropriate risks is a crucial part of developing their confidence and independence. These experiences empower children, giving them the confidence to explore new environments and try new things, knowing that it’s okay to push their boundaries within safe limits.
Searching for a Nursery in Edgwick?
At the George Eliot nursery in Edgwick, we understand the incredible benefits that outdoor play brings to children. Our approach is centred on ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and educational value of being outdoors daily. We create an environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow, and learn through a balance of structured activities and free play, all while ensuring their safety and well-being.
We believe that outdoor play is the basis of early childhood development, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for each child in our care. By integrating outdoor play into our daily schedule, we are not only promoting physical health but also building emotional resilience, social skills, and a lifelong love for learning and nature. If you would like to learn more about our approach and how we can support your child’s development, please feel free to get in touch with us or give us a call on 024 7622 7937.