For preschool age children the outdoors is the best place to work on their physical skills. While jumping, running, and leaping they learn large motor skills. It is also a perfect time for practicing ball-handling skills like throwing and catching. These skills improve hand eye coordination. Other manipulative skills work as well while children are playing with different objects on wheels or toys in the sandbox.
Studies show that as many as half of American children are not getting enough physical exercise, and that risk factors like hypertension and arteriosclerosis are showing up at age five! While children play outdoors they burn more calories, which helps prevent obesity, a heart disease factor that is on the rise in recent years. Being outside is also important because the outdoor light stimulates part of the brain, which makes children more alert. The fresh air is vital to the immune system and makes us feel happier.
While playing outside cognitive and social/emotional areas are developing as well. Children express themselves and learn about the world while making up play with friends. They are in control and feeling safe. This is important for their self-esteem, decision-making, and organizational skills. Inventing rules for games promotes an understanding of why rules are necessary. As children play and have fun they are learning to communicate effectively and solve conflicts while playing.
What else is great about outdoor play? You can be loud, get all the energy out of your body and when you come back inside you can focus on curriculum that is planned for inside peacefully.
Creative Years Preschool has been serving families in SCV for over 30 years. Call to schedule a tour at 661-254-0718 or visit our web site for a virtual tour and more information www.creativeyears.com. You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/creativeyears.