You probably already know that playing outdoors is vital to your child’s physical health and development. You may not know that playing outdoors can also promote child social development by helping your child get along with others.

For example, physical activity helps children build a positive sense of “I can do it.” Physical play also promotes feelings of self-esteem as children learn to use their bodies more competently. They gain problem-solving skills as they approach preschooler activities such as climbing or negotiating the monkey bars.

Fun Family Activities Benefit Everyone

Outdoor play need not be limited to the confines of the playground. Allow your child (under supervision) to explore parks, lakes, farms—even your very own backyard. It can be any place you choose as a setting for discovery, toddler learning and, of course, fun. Children can watch plants grow, follow the change of seasons or see animals in motion. In fact, the great outdoors is the ideal laboratory for hands-on learning. Just be sure an adult tags along to protect children from dangers like deep water and poisonous plants.

Awaken the Senses

Until about age six, children learn best by using their senses. The outdoors is a place they can use all their senses to gain new understanding of the world around them. They can see leaves change color, touch the bark of a tree, hear crickets chirp and watch squirrels collect nuts.

When children identify new things, language blossoms. You can help build your children’s vocabulary by encouraging the use of new adjectives to describe their experiences.

Spark their Curiosity

Children can develop a sense of wonder about the miracles that take place in our world. Children are fascinated by the changing nature of growing and living things—if the adults in their lives encourage them to look, touch and listen. While outdoor play may seem simply like a way to let off steam, it really is a route to learning about their world and about life. A child at play is exploring, testing theories about the world around him. Play is one of the most powerful tools children have for testing boundaries and mastering new skills and concepts. Offer your children as many opportunities as you can to explore their world.

Give the Gift of Time

Taking the time to explore and appreciate nature along with our children is a precious gift that requires little effort. Adults can expand the value of outdoor play by answering questions and helping children observe. Here are some ideas to stimulate your child’s senses while hiking:

  • Notice color, shape, size and form—-like ants meandering on the sidewalk, colorful caterpillars crawling on a leaf or Blue Jays gathering berries.
  • Feel things that are soft, smooth, rough, cold, wet and prickly.
  • Collect some interesting-feeling objects and place in a bag for further exploration and identification.

Physical activity feels good and is one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies and minds. Parents can help build healthy habits for body and mind by regularly finding time to get outdoors to play.


 

Dawn Marie Barhyte was an early childhood educator for over ten years. She now influences the lives of children through her writing.