Outdoor learning and play are not just enjoyable activities for children; they are essential components of a well-rounded education. There is increasing recognition of the benefits of outdoor learning in educational curriculums worldwide and biophilic design bringing the natural environment into various schools and nurseries across Oxfordshire and the UK.
Research has shown that benefits of these experiences extend beyond physical health to include cognitive, emotional, and social development. So it’s clear this needs to be beyond breaktime in the playground.
In this article, we will explore how outdoor learning and play can significantly enhance your child’s growth and wellbeing.
Physical Health Benefits
Engaging in outdoor activities is beneficial to physical health in numerous ways. When your child spends time outside, they are more likely to be active, running, jumping, and climbing, which helps to improve their cardiovascular health, balance and overall fitness and happiness.
Exposure to sunlight also helps to boost Vitamin D levels, which is crucial for bone development and a healthy immune system. Regular physical activity and exercise can help in preventing childhood obesity and related health issues.
And this is especially at early years ages. According to the NHS, Pre-schoolers should be spending at least 3 hours a day doing a variety of physical activities spread throughout the day, including active and outdoor play. The more the better. The 180 minutes should include at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.
They should be getting this at pre-school or nursery, but if you have any outdoor space you should be encouraging this at home too. Explore the products at TTS to find items such as mud kitchens and climbing frames that will help encourage children to spend more time outside.
Cognitive Development?
Outdoor learning can have a profound impact on your child’s cognitive development. Even simple playing helps improve hand-eye coordination, a complex cognitive ability that unites our visual and motor skills. As well as building imagination, memory and other key cognitive functions.
Back in 2000 the Oxfordshire authorities took up Forest school, which is heavily influenced by the Scandinavian open air culture ‘friluftsliv’. There, children start school at 6/7 and spend the early years playing outdoors to build the the development of cognitive skills, either as fun creative play or structured educational play. Even after kids start school in Scandinavia, when aged 7-16 they have udeskole, which means outdoor school, and is compulsory outside of school one day a week or fortnightly.
Forest schools tend to include activities such as:
- Building shelters, dens, or animal homes
- Natural art, mud pies, or wooden name badges
- Outdoor cooking or snacks around a campfire
- Woodland management, nature exploration, or bug hunting
- Woodland games, imaginative play, or group games
- Learning about woodland plants and animals, or practicing safe fire lighting
- Playing at height, playing at high speed, playing with tools, or rough-and-tumble play
- Creative storytelling
These are also often part of Squirrels/Beavers/Cubs/Scouts or Rainbows/Brownies/Girl Guides too.
Nature offers a rich sensory environment that stimulates curiosity and exploration. Wildlife activities such as observing birds and bugs, examining plants, and experimenting with natural materials can enhance their observational skills and scientific thinking.
Studies have shown that children who engage in outdoor learning tend to perform better academically, with improvements in concentration, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Being outside is also a great way to help children recover from intense concentration following academic learning, an essential component for their mental health.
Emotional Well-being
Spending time outdoors can significantly improve your child’s emotional well-being. Nature has a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety. When children play outside, they often feel a sense of freedom and adventure, which can boost their overall mood and self-esteem. Outdoor activities and green exercise can be invaluable for SEN children, and can reduce symptoms of ADHD and calm behavioural issues.
The unstructured nature of outdoor play away from the classroom allows children to express themselves freely and develop resilience as they navigate new challenges and experiences. As being outdoors and around natural spaces helps to benefit the mental health of adults too, this can affect the children in your care as they will sense when you feel happier and more relaxed.
Social Skills and Teamwork
Outdoor play often involves group activities with friends, which are excellent for developing social skills, self-confidence and teamwork. When children play together, they learn to communicate, negotiate, and cooperate with one another. These interactions are vital for building friendships and understanding social norms.
Activities such as group scavenger hunts or cooperative building projects like creating a den or a garden plot specifically encourage teamwork and social skills.
Outdoor settings provide diverse environments where children can engage in imaginative play, fostering creativity and collaborative problem-solving. Working on your own social and communication skills will help to improve their social skills too, as children often mirror the behaviour they see in their carers.
Connection with Nature
Developing a connection with nature is an important aspect of outdoor learning. When your child spends time in natural settings, they develop an appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.
This connection can build a lifelong interest in environmental conservation and sustainable living. Understanding the natural world also helps children develop a sense of place and belonging, enhancing their overall sense of identity and well-being.
And you can nurture this at home in the garden or when out walking, such as programs like the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾, which encourage children to engage with nature in meaningful ways.
Encouraging Risk-Taking and Independence
Outdoor play encourages children to take risks and develop independence. In a safe and supervised environment, children can test their limits and learn from their mistakes. Climbing trees, balancing on logs, and exploring unknown terrains teach children how to assess and manage risks.
These experiences are crucial for developing confidence and decision-making skills, which are essential for their future success and growth into adult life, including understanding the consequences of actions.
Naturally this should be in a safe and monitored environment. and you can gradually increase the complexity of activities to match the child’s growing confidence and abilities.
Enhancing Sensory Experiences
Nature provides a multi-sensory experience that is unmatched by indoor environments. The sounds of birds chirping, the feel of different textures underfoot, and the sight of vibrant colours can all stimulate your child’s senses. These rich sensory experiences are crucial for brain development and can enhance your child’s ability to process and respond to sensory information.
You can encourage this with sensory walks where children are encouraged to notice and describe different sounds, textures, and smells they encounter.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Outdoor Learning
Integrating outdoor learning and play into your child’s routine can be simple and enjoyable. Start by scheduling regular visits to local parks or nature reserves. Encourage your child to participate in activities like gardening, hiking, or nature crafts. Schools can also play a pivotal role by incorporating outdoor lessons and field trips into their curriculum. Remember to dress your child appropriately for the weather and provide the necessary safety gear for activities.
The easiest way to make this happen is to incorporate it into your daily routine, such as eating breakfast outside, evening family walks, or encouraging them to take up sports.
You can also join the scouts or girl guides. The Scouts have over 150 different locations throughout Oxfordshire for 4 – 18 year olds.
So it’s clear, outdoor learning and play offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the holistic development of children. From physical development and cognitive growth to emotional well-being and social skills, the advantages are clear and profound.
By encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors, you are investing in their future, building a lifelong love for nature, and equipping them with the skills and experiences they need to thrive. So, the next time you have the opportunity, take your children outside and watch them grow and flourish in the natural world.
