When they are outside playing, children get a sense of freedom. Physical activity comes easily to children of all ages when they are allowed to run around and play outside. Participating in physically active activities, such as play, is beneficial to the health and well-being of children. Activity not only aids in weight loss but also in the prevention of a variety of adult diseases.
Children’s play has the potential to take off and thrive in settings such as playgrounds. They should be able to make a mess, run, jump, and hide on good outdoor playgrounds. Also, they should be able to yell, whistle, and investigate the natural world around them.
Beautiful outdoor playgrounds are big enough and constructed in such a way that children’s play can come to full expression.
The value of a playground for young children, ranging from infants to children aged eight years old, is determined by a number of different elements. These include the –
- accessibility of the play space
- design of the play area
- concerns over safety
- play equipment
- Adult supervision.
Playgrounds should be designed in a way that encourages a variety of styles of play. But this aspect deserves special attention. There is an urgent requirement to instill in our younger generation a preference for engaging in physically active pursuits outside. It is important that free play in the fresh air does not become overly intellectual or teacher-directed.
What are the benefits of playing outside?
Children and teenagers benefit in more ways than one from spending time outside than simply having a good time. Additionally, it is beneficial to both their physical and mental health, as well as their overall growth. Children and adolescents who spend time outside playing and appreciating nature are more likely to be:
- In terms of one’s physical wellness:
Children’s play is more vigorous when they are outside, and they require daily opportunities to play in this way. Spending more time outside is connected with better motor development, as well as decreased obesity rates and a reduced incidence of myopia (nearsightedness). Getting some sun exposure in a responsible manner enables us to produce the vitamin D that our bodies require to be healthy and robust.
- More invested in the process of learning:
Curiosity, inventiveness and the ability to think all benefit critically from time spent playing outside. According to a number of studies, academic performance was higher among youngsters who spent a greater proportion of their time outdoors adventuring.
- More optimistic in their demeanor:
According to research conducted, children who spent more time outdoors had lower levels of aggressive behavior and rage. Impulse control also improves. When children’s regular schedules are disrupted, this may become an essential consideration.
- In terms of mental wellness:
Spending time in natural settings has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and sadness in people of all ages. Children have improved attention spans and decreased levels of the symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Why is playing outside so important?
There are two primary motivations that underline the need to provide small kids in our early education programs and schools with opportunities to play outside.
To begin, the majority of the developmental goals that children need to accomplish, such as –
- discovering new things
- being willing to take risks
- improving their fine and gross motor skills
- acquiring a large quantity of fundamental information
These are best accomplished through the use of outdoor play.
Second, our culture discourages young children from playing outside by encouraging them to watch too much television and use too many computers. Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, having parents who are overworked and exhausted, requiring –
- Educational responsibility
- Doing away with school break time
- Having educational requirements that force more and more academics that are emotionally stressful into our early childhood education programs, which takes time away from the play.
The issue of meeting the requirements of young children in terms of their time spent playing outside is complex and difficult. There are several things that need to be taken into consideration, such as the –
- Diverse play needs of young children
- Supervision
- Safety
- Access for people with disabilities.
However, we need to find a variety of ways to provide high-quality outdoor play experiences for children of all ages, from infants to children in their eighth year. It is due to the fact that our children are presented with fewer chances to explore nature, wander, and roll. Also, it is due to the fact that outdoor play is an essential component of being a child.
This endeavor takes on an even greater level of significance. It is because our early childhood education programs are shifting their emphasis more and more toward the teaching of fundamental skills and early academics.