So what's the big deal with kids and outdoor play?

If we work from the premise that play is an invaluable part of childhood, then why does it matter so much if kids play indoors or out? The truth, of course, is that both types of play are indeed valuable. Unstructured outdoor play, however, provides important avenues for growth and brain development that can rarely be replicated through indoor play. And for a variety of reasons, it doesn’t happen nearly enough anymore. So why do we need more of it?

1.Many of the building blocks for sitting and learning and paying attention in school are misunderstood and/or under-appreciated because they don’t look anything like sitting and “learning” and paying attention. The mechanics and science behind how it all works is somewhat complicated, but trust me when I tell you that for young children MOVING IS LEARNING.

2. When kiddos are outside they have more opportunity to engage and strengthen their vestibular sense. Most people don’t know much about this sense, but it refers to balance and spatial orientation…and if it’s not strong ALL the other senses are negatively affected. Ultimately a weak vestibular sense has a domino effect on a child’s ability to sit and learn in the classroom. The best ways to activate the vestibular sense is by MOVING, but it especially gets activated by rolling, going upside down, swinging, and spinning.

3. The sights, sounds, smell, and feel of nature have an impressively calming effect on children.

4. Studies even show that time outdoors can improve children’s distance vision.

5. Nature provides important sensory opportunities – just think about the feel of rocks, sticks, dirt, mud, and grass, just to name a few – and children learn about their world via taking information in through their senses.

6. When kids are outside in nature their play has endless possibilities – a stick or a rock can become anything you imagine it to be, while a plastic piece of fruit in a play kitchen is simply a plastic piece of fruit. Fewer play constraints often leads to more self-directed and lengthier play. And when children are in this deep state of FLOW as they play they are growing important brain muscle critical for future success as learners.

7. When kids play outdoors they strengthen and engage their ENTIRE body as they run, climb, roll, dig, etc., but when they play indoors they might only use their hands while building with blocks.

8. Believe it or not, dirt IS good for strengthening those little immune systems. And as much as the mess of it all often grosses grown-ups out, everybody wants their kiddo to be sick as little as possible.

9. It’s hard to care about something you don’t really know, so children who spend time in nature are a lot more likely to grow up to be people who care about and protect it.

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