Outdoor play supports children’s mental and physical health. It helps children: .png)
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build gross motor skills,
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maintain optimal weight,
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develop social skills,
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build confidence,
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develop problem-solving skills and more!
However, research shows that children are spending less time outdoors. Outdoor play began decreasing in early care and education (ECE) in 2001 when the No Child Left Behind Act was passed. This focused attention on academic test-based standards for school aged children, adding pressure to ECE programs to prioritize academic preparation for kindergarten. The greatest impact is seen in programs serving children of color and children from low-income families.
Yet, “time spent outside can lead to better physical and mental health, improved sleep, and cognitive, social, and emotional gains for young children.” Time outdoors, and playing in general, is the developmentally appropriate way to increase school readiness!
Take children outside for unstructured playtime, nature exploration, adult led physical activity, picnics, circle time, art activities, and more and watch them thrive!
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