The Importance of Outdoor Play

As spring rolls into summer, we can actually watch the changes in the trees and bushes from morning to afternoon. Even with the very youngest children, getting outdoors starts the conversation about being a nurturer. Children begin to see themselves as caretakers of the earth and that their caring is valued.

The playground is an introduction to the outdoors for very young children.  When children play in
the same outside space time and time again they begin to see that the outside is alive. Weather, seasons, the endless sounds are noticed and talked about, giving a context for learning early lessons about all that is alive in nature. At the Co-op, the outdoors is an extension of our classrooms. Watching earth worms emerge after a rain, catching that rain in a giant pail, making paper kites to launch on a windy day are all experiences that make learning relevant and fun.

We find “challenging” weather creates the best opportunities. Rain, snow, wind don’t keep us indoors. My colleagues and I have new slogan, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!” As long as we’re dressed right, we can enjoy the outdoors.

Outdoor play is also vitally important to physical development. Children need abundant opportunities to climb, lift, and balance. A recent study asked parents what their children’s favorite activities are. Overwhelmingly, they replied that screen activities were favorites. When children were asked this same question, overwhelmingly their answers were outdoor activities. There has been an interesting health-related news story out of Germany.  It seems that the government feels that playgrounds have become too safe and unchallenging for children. The result is that German adults are less agile, more frail, are at a greater risk for
injuries and thus more insurance claims are being filed. The government has asked for riskier equipment for children hoping to develop more dexterous and agile adults.

Our children win big when they are encouraged in outdoor play. Physical development flourishes, circadian rhythm regulates, science facts are learned, and nurturers emerge.