When do we stop playing and start adulting? In today’s fast-paced world, it seems as though children are growing up quicker than ever.
But the New Parent Support (NCT) website suggests that something as simple as indulging in a spot of good ‘old-fashioned fun’ in the Great Outdoors can help kids in all sorts of ways. Playing outside is fun, exciting and important for children’s learning and development. Being outside is an exciting sensory experience for babies, toddlers and older children alike. Children (and adults!) of all ages love the chance to explore different spaces and natural objects like leaves, pinecones and puddles.
So, what can happen if kids don’t get enough fresh air? A 2016 report by the University of Plymouth revealed the changing nature of childhoods – with less time being spent outdoors and the loss of exposure to the natural environment – having negative long-term consequences. A study from Derby University weighed in on the matter, too. It stated that children who were more connected to nature had significantly higher English attainment and a further report showed that exposure to learning outdoors provides a route for young people to become more resilient.
There’s no denying that outdoor play helps children sleep better at night, which has got to be a good thing. It promotes a healthier lifestyle, helps little ones care for the environment, appreciate nature and allows them the opportunity to meet new friends. What’s not to love?!
At Coppice Valley Primary School, we’re already doing our bit to encourage kids to head outside. With a large school playing field hidden safely away at the back of school, there are extensive grounds for children to explore including a wildlife area, allotment beds, woodlands and plans for a wetland area to be made this year too. During their time at Coppice Valley, children get the chance to camp outside overnight, attend nature school sessions in the Early Years and learn to ride bikes. This year we’ve been rewilding, planting hundreds of trees and hedges to give homes to nature and offset our carbon footprint.
Our community garden at the front of the school gives our kids even more incentive to head outdoors. Partnering with Horticap – who provide education in horticulture for adults with learning difficulties in Harrogate and the surrounding area –we have raised beds in which we grow fruit, vegetables and herbs for our local community to take. At the moment, we’re building a barefoot walk which is a path with many different types of textures. Walking barefoot on the path provides opportunities to feel earth, sand, rocks and other surfaces beneath your feet. A wonderful, mindful experience bringing you closer to nature.
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