MOVING AND LEARNING OUTSIDE
If it hasn’t been in the hand, the body and heart, it can’t be in the brain.
– Bev Boz
Wellbeing and physical play outdoors.
Humans are creatures of movement and that is how we learn. It’s in our DNA the need to explore the world around us through motion. Just take a look at young children and you’ll quickly see that they are constantly moving with endless thirst for exploration. The reason behind such high energy lies in the fact that human brains are wired to create new neural pathways based on the information we receive from our environment. It’s through movement and sensory interactions with the world around us that we learn and grow.
So, if we want to support the healthy development and wellbeing of our children, we need to provide them a diverse diet of daily movement. And there is no better way to do that than through big servings of active play, preferably outside in the fresh air.
Being outdoors gives children the chance to explore their physical abilities in unique ways. Outside children can carry out gross motor activities such as jumping, running, climbing at different speeds and intensities, both freely and safely. Out there they can be loud, energetic, messy, make discoveries and manage risks. All while interacting closer to nature.
Being active outdoors allows children to wonder, discover and learn in a way that is not possible while confined by four walls.
So let’s get out of their way and let them play outside!
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