What are the benefits of outdoor play? – Guest Blog by Katie Taylor

Over the past few years, there has been a huge focus on outdoor learning and play as educators and parents realise the benefits that being outdoors can bring to the lives of children (and ourselves).

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health (and also, by the way, in our own).” – Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

There are many pressures on young children today, such as performance at school with government tracked data required from as young as Reception age, extra-curricular activities, longer hours in childcare and technology. The technology landscape has changed rapidly recently and it is extremely easy for children to access the digital world with an overwhelming amount of content available at their fingertips. Therefore, whilst I believe that technology does have a place in the world, let us seek a solution to create a balance and ensure that children receive plenty of outdoor time for some good old fashioned outdoor play. Time that exposes children to muddy play, climbing, exploring and adventuring.

What are the benefits of outdoor play?

Albert Einstein once said “Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better”.  Being outdoors can clear the mind and does not limit our creativity that potentially being confined to the spaces indoors imposes. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘bouncing off the walls’. Let’s take away the walls to enable children to explore and feel free.

Benefits:

• Climbing trees helps build up core strength and gross motor skills, which are essential when it comes to school age as children are expected to sit at desks and write. The decision-making ability needed to climb a tree and problem solve where to place hands/feet are also great for helping with tasks in life.

• The open spaces in the outdoors allow children to experiment with their natural voice. Indoors we often expect a certain noise level, yet outdoors, children are able to shout, scream and understand what their bodies are capable of.
• The view of the outdoors can also help children’s eyesight. There’s plenty to look at, scan and focus on. The distance, varying features, colours and heights of the scenery can all help to strengthen children’s eyes. When indoors, we often only look closely at objects and items and it’s beneficial to get outdoors to expose young, developing eyes to a variety of views.

• A visit to the park or nature playground can provide many benefits. If there are slides, balancing equipment and places to climb, this will contribute to building up stronger muscles and enhancing the all-important gross and fine motor skills. It’s a great place to meet new friends and supports children’s social and emotional needs. Waiting their turn and communicating with others in the same space is a benefit of visiting the park.

• Playing with mud and dirt exposes children to friendly bacteria and helps to build up immune systems. It also stimulates all of the senses when exploring and playing. Giving children the freedom to explore mud freely is not only fun but good for them too!

The best way to make the most of the outdoors is to be prepared for the changing weather. Spending time outside in all weathers provides resilience and teaches children that nature can be enjoyed on sunny days as well as during rain, cold temperatures or snow. On cold days, wrap up in warm layers and provide gloves, mittens, hats and scarves to keep little ones warm. When it rains, a waterproof all in one or a waterproof coat and trousers are a great investment. Dressing appropriately means that children can experience all the benefits from getting outdoors and won’t have to worry about becoming cold or wet.

My top tip for those cold and wet days is to pack a flask with some hot chocolate and mid-way through your outdoor adventures, you can warm up with a delicious warm drink.

Please follow Katie’s fantastic Instagram page earlyyearsoutdoors here. 

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