Children today spend most if not all their time indoors. They are either playing a game on their iPads or watching tv. They become less interested in playing outside, having fun with others not like we used to when we were younger. The increase in numbers of children spending a lot of time inside has led to numerous studies being publish highlighting the negative impact this is having on their health and development. At the same time, research has discovered that playing outdoors have its benefits.
1. Playing outside helps children to develop their learning abilities.
Play-based learning has been proven effective all through these years. And by doing it outside makes it more fun and children can connect with nature and the environment around them.
2. Outdoor Play is great for encouraging children’s creativity.
Being outside gives them a sense of freedom and it triggers them to be imaginative. The objects around them stimulate them and it quickly taps into their creativity.
3. Playing outside is fantastic for children to practise their physical abilities.
With more space to play on, children often more active when outside. They run, jump, skip, and play ball games that strengthen their muscles, also help with gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall health and well being.
4. It enhances social skills among children.
Outdoor places are usually less crowded than indoors, it is less intimidating and helps children to naturally come out of their shells and be more social. This means that children will be more willing to join in games and activities, they will be more likely to talk to different children and make new friends.
5. It promotes self-awareness.
Experiencing outdoor play helps your child to take risks and learn about their own abilities. For example, they can discover how high they can climb, or how well they can balance, how fast they can run and what is like to roll on the grass.
6. Playing outside teaches them how to be independent.
Playing outside which is un-restricted but with adult supervision makes children feel less intimidating. This helps them to learn independence when socially interacting with other children, as well as learning to play by themselves. They learn how to take turns and to pick themselves up when they fail and how to negotiate unfamiliar equipment. This results in them learning how to be independent and self-reliant.
7. Outdoor play encourages children to explore and think outside of the box.
Being outside means there are so many things waiting to be explored. It maybe a new swing or slide or a piece of new outdoor play equipment. Or it can be different animals, insects, and plants.
Outdoor play is great fun and promotes happy, healthy and strong children-so try to encourage your child to play outside! To start it off you can join our Active Dots group this coming school holidays to let your child experience a fun and exciting way to play outside with other children. Facilitated by an OT, this group is sure to address many areas of development. To book you can call our office at (02) 4959 8920. To see our other groups you may click on this link for the brochure: https://happydots.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DL-April-Holiday-Program-2019-Cardiff-print-ready.pdf
