Get EHS TA 14 Supporting Outdoor Play And Exploration For Infants And Toddlers - Va Gapitc

Why outdoor play is important. Playing outside gives your child the chance to explore the natural environment and have adventures. Your child can play games, test their physical limits, express themselves and build their self-confidence. Outdoor play can also mean more mess – and more mess often means more fun!

Outdoor experiences can provide an opportunity to explore, discover and appreciate the natural world, as well as be active, strengthen fine and gross motor movement skills, test physical limits and get messy. Time spent in the outdoors should be an important part of the daily program for all children, including babies.

Research shows that outdoor play and exploration increases children's creativity and imagination; enriches their opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and cooperate with others; improves reasoning and observation skills; and has positive effects on their ability to focus and pay attention.

Outdoor experiences can provide an opportunity to explore, discover and appreciate the natural world, as well as be active, strengthen fine and gross motor movement skills, test physical limits and get messy. Time spent in the outdoors should be an important part of the daily program for all children, including babies.

Playing quietly or being loud and more active; Being able to eat, sleep, and play based on individual needs; Exploring a variety of age-appropriate materials and activities, including books, building toys, art supplies, pretend play materials, sensory play materials, and so forth; and.

Playing outside allows kids to develop more advanced motor skills than children who spend most of their time indoors, including agility, balance and coordination. Kids who spend time playing outdoors are more likely to move in ways that challenge their muscles, bones and physical endurance.

Safe Set-up of the Outdoor Environment Be sure all outdoor play areas are fenced, especially near a street, parking lot, pond, well, or railroad track. Surround electrical appliances in the play area, such as air conditioners, with fences so children cannot reach them. Remove gas grills from outdoor play areas.

Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. More positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings they had less anger and aggression.