Young children are naturally drawn to the outdoors. Outdoor play is an important aspect of children’s learning, development and wellbeing, and there are many benefits for this type of experience.

Outdoor play offers children opportunities to explore and connect with their environment. Whilst doing so, they are developing their muscle strength and coordination as well as gaining self-confidence. Active play outdoors also increases flexibility, fine and gross motor skills, balance and coordination.

Physical exercise and activity are essential for children who need opportunities to use their muscles to run, swing, climb, jump, and ride a bike. They use their whole body when they are engaging in outdoor activity, and these activities also present opportunities for exploring and trying new experiences. This supports the children to develop a sense of their own boundaries. As Roald Dahl once said, “the more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

It important for children’s physical and emotional wellbeing that they have time out in the fresh air and sunshine. This provides them a sense of freedom to exert their energy and leads to them feeling happier and calmer. Being outside supports children to naturally obtain Vitamin D, which is recognised as a benefit to improve moods and create a positive attitude.

Outdoor play is a great way to develop children’s creativity and imagination. The children’s imaginations are stimulated by the natural elements and objects around them. They invent interesting ways for using the objects they have collected from the garden and incorporate these into their play.

We value the importance of outdoor play and encourage you to incorporate it into the children’s Learn@Home program each day so that they have regular opportunities to run, climb, imagine, interact, and create using their whole bodies and their senses.

Our Physical Education Teacher, Mrs Jenny De Nardis, is also providing regular physical education videos on our portal. This provides the opportunity for the ELC children to engage in a range of physical experiences designed to develop their gross motor, fine motor, coordination and balance while learning from home. Please tune in to these videos as a means for providing your child with additional physical activities at home.

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.” Margaret McMillan