*Written by Alyssa Wright – Media and Marketing Manager at Trident Early Learning.*
Studies completed in the UK have found that three-quarters of children spend less time outside than prison inmates. Can you believe that? Prisoners are spending more time outdoors than children - those who need it the most!
Research has shown that children who spend more time in nature have improved health, and are more active, calm, stimulated and, most importantly, happy. It is also well known that interacting with nature reduces feelings of stress, anxiety and fatigue.
While spending vast periods of time outdoors, children are building on their confidence, problem solving, and learning responsibility. The unstructured style of play also promotes creativity & imagination, as children are able to design their own activities and think more freely. Escaping into nature also instills a natural sense of wonder and curiosity.
Most importantly, time spent outdoors benefits children’s health & wellbeing - physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Children are more active when outside as there is more room to run, jump, climb, ride bikes, and engage in sports & games. They experience different ways to move which improves coordination. Going outside means children are not spending too much time on computers or in front of the TV. Their mental health improves as they feel more relaxed, calm and a lot less stressed.
There is a really soothing feeling we all experience when exploring nature. Children need opportunities to lay down on cool green grass, splash in waves, and run sand through their fingers. Think about how relaxed you feel when you are on a picnic in a park, walking around a lake, or sitting on the beach, watching the waves crash into the shore.
It is important to provide active and passive play areas outside so children have places to retreat to. Sometimes the best engagement with nature is just being outdoors enjoying the sunshine, and soaking up some much needed Vitamin D.
Having a strong connection with nature as a child has benefits that last well into adulthood. According to recent studies, children who have regular contact with nature in childhood, grow into adults who have a love and respect for nature and the environment.
At Trident Early Learning, our indoor/outdoor childcare and kindergarten programs give children the freedom to decide where they wish to play, regardless of weather constraints. We value outdoor play and think of our indoor and outdoor environments as one whole space rather than separate areas. Children are provided with opportunities to explore natural elements and the natural environment, engage in sustainable practices, and learn about the world around them.
If we make sure to always provide children with uninterrupted, lengthy periods of play in nature, we may begin to see a positive generational shift in outdoor engagement. Hopefully, in turn, this will positively effect all children and adults: past, present and future.
Resources:
Mommies Magazine - Why Children Need to Play Outside – Even in the Winter Months
The School Nurse - It's Too Cold to Go Outside
University of Western Australia - Putting Nature Back Into Nurture
Sources:
Community Playthings - Mud, Marvelous Mud!
Nature Play WA - Why It Matters
Raising Children - Outdoor Play