Summer may be over and school has started, but it’s more important than ever to make sure children’s day has some outside and nature time. This supports fun, learning, and not just kindergarten readiness, but being at school too. The start of school, whether preschool, daycare or kindergarten means the forming of new connections and expectations. Including time for connecting to nature has lots of benefits and is essential for kids.
Recently there is growing trend to increase children’s physical activity time and to naturalize their play environments. The variety and the number of programs are expanding and there are now outdoor, nature, and forest preschools and kindergartens. Research on the effects of including more nature time is influencing regular school programs as well. Time in nature can increase children’s academic performance and decrease symptoms of attention deficit disorder. In green areas, play is more creative and more cooperative. This supports the development of thinking and social skills. In addition to enhancing intellectual and social development, nature play also affects children’s health and wellness. When children are involved in gardening, they are more likely to eat vegetables and fruit. A big plus is better nutrition and sleep. We sometimes forget that these are important for kids as well as adults, but there are new challenges for kids in care and school programs. Green spaces reduce stress and help kids relax.
Not all playgrounds will have trees and grassy areas, nevertheless, recess is often kids’ favorite time of the day. There is still nature in clouds, the wind, the weather, and the sun. Just being outside is enjoyable. For a play-of-the-day at home and at school, can your child have some outdoor play time?