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Outdoor play is essential for helping children to build confidence, independence and self-esteem as a start! Think of one of your favourite childhood memories, where were you? Inside or outside?
The more children can play outdoors the better and healthier it is for the development of the body and brain. Young children need outdoor play for as long as possible every day. Even when it is cold and wet outside (we live in Ireland so wellies and rain gear are a must). There are huge advantages to playing outdoors.
As the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing!
Jumping in puddles, rolling in muck, making mud pies, catching rain, feeling the rain on our skin are all important aspects of water and sensory play. Feeling the snow, the heat of the sun, the wind on our hair….
Sensory play awakens our body to touch, smell, taste, sound and sight.
Imagine what it is like for children
to feel wet mud, dry mud, water, different plants,
to smell cut grass, wet grass, the sea, wreaths, dusk, dawn, the bark of tree, flowers, to hear the birds, the wind in the tress, the sea, insects, water splashing, to taste of wild fruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, mint, lemon balm, chives etc, to see clouds, rainbows, insects, animals, the sea, the trees, the birds, animals, birds nests, stars, streams, the night sky, sun set, sun rise.
Can you take yourself back to a time in your childhood where you played outdoors, can you remember the size, the space, the freedom, the smells,
the tastes, the views, the sounds?
How does your body feel when you remember all the things you loved about that place?
The freedom, the grounding and the connection to nature that being outdoors gives a child can make a lasting memory thats held in their bodies throughout their lives.
We are able to take ourselves back there by simply closing our eyes and recalling the memory.
Research shows that children are missing out on important opportunities for learning, growth and connectedness that only the outdoors can bring. There are a number of reasons for this, but every good reason to ensure your child is on the right side of that data!
Outdoor play helps children discover their senses, improves language development, keeps them physically active, helps with coordination, building and construction skills, problem solving, observing and taking care of the environment. Giving children time and space in natural environments can support their risky play. Risky play is adventurous play and includes opportunities for children to test boundaries and to explore risk and develop these essential life skills.
We have linked a booklet from Barnardos below, which has lots of great information on outdoor play.
Outdoor play matters – The benefits of outdoor play for young children https://knowledge.barnardos.ie/items/a0ab0f70-5717-443a-91ed-440326af0efd
Explore our Masterclasses and Discovery Programme, offering pre-recorded content, course materials and live group sessions to help you support your little one.
