The importance of outdoor play for preschoolers

CRESTVIEW — Children today are playing less and less outside, public schools have eliminated recess time and more electronic media have been introduced into the educational role. Outdoor play has diminished and so has a child’s ability to cope in the unprotected world (http: www.bbc.com/news/health-15427954).

They lead more sedentary lives as family roles have changed. This lifestyle has led to an obesity problem, and lack of cognitive abilities among our children and has affected a mental disconnect from the natural world. As a mom, teacher, and director, I wanted to share some of my experience that shows why and how outdoor play is so important to a child’s development.

Daily outside play benefits the children in these areas: Play promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being for children to thrive and learn. The children are exposed to sunlight, natural elements and open air, which contributes to bone development, stronger immune system and physical activity(https://www.edutopia.org/children-outdoors- national-wildlife- federation). Fresh air promotes oxygen to the brain, moving and playing are part of developmental milestones and learning pathways, that promotes cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. Daily outdoor time is recommended to at least 40 minutes — imagine that, almost a whole hour a day.

Here are a few examples of how children can play at school: Play ball; run and chase friends; walk on balance beams; push a car; dig in the sand; fill up buckets with measuring tools; gather outside treasures; like rocks and bark pieces; look at insects; look at flowers; smell different items; kicking and chasing a ball; playing on the swing; climb stairs; go down a slide; hang on bars and see if they can go from on side to the next; catch a ball; measure water; paint, blow bubbles, and play instruments; and sing songs. They can play interactive games like duck duck goose; block play; do scavenger hunts; grow vegetables; play make believe; or even appreciate the beautiful scenery in front of them.

All of these simple — and often thought of as silly — activities actually promote good life skills such as: risk taking, social skills, fine motor skills and large motor skills. Outside experience teaches children to make choices and expand their creativity.

Children discover how things work by trial and error. They improve their coordination, begin to grasp spatial awareness like distance, speed, location, and direction. Play expands their speech and language skills due to interactions with friends, as well as learning to use reasoning skills and being observant.

They explore nature around them and reduce stress in their life. They can even sing silly songs made from their imagination. A child that masters a new skill will get a feeling of success and happiness.

At home you can introduce outdoor activities for your preschooler: It is also important for you to be part of your children’s outdoor time. You can do simple things like make an obstacle course, or craft a clubhouse from boxes.

Take a walk and listen to the sounds of nature. Smell different objects. Go to a park, let them play with other children, or feed ducks. You can fly a kite; create art with sidewalk chalk; ride a bike; jump rope; measure rainfall (math skills); and play different games like soccer, basketball, and badminton.

Rake the yard — you’ll be surprised how many chore activities can be fun and educational.  Make bird feeders, or build a bird house and see the birds return each year. Set up a play tent and have tea-time or lunch outside.

My husband always involved our children in some kind of building project, teaching team building skills and just having those important family times together that build a lifetime of happy memories.

Enjoy the outdoors with your child. You benefit from it too.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The importance of outdoor play for preschoolers