From playing on iPads to watching television, kids are having a luxury of time indoor . While Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated this, spending a predominate amount of time inside can have some negative impacts on the health and development of kids. Same way, a wide body of researches and articles have also reeled out many benefits of outdoor play for children and here are just some of them.
1. Creativity
From sightseeing to wide range of objects around, outdoor play provides a major boost for creativity. Unlike indoor play which confines a child to the four walls of the room, a chance to take a walk through the streets, and seeing objects around will stimulate imaginations and give room for creativity.
2. Learning
Playing outdoor provides opportunity for real life learning and improves kids learning ability. One of the major reasons most schools have a dedicated playground with educational equipment is to promote learning through play. With this, kids are learning new information and skills in a fun way.
3. Social skills
Outdoor play gives kids an avenue to willingly join in games and activities. This naturally makes them express themselves and interact with different kids and make new friends. In a way, it encourages them to learn social skills and how to interact with other children while away from adult supervision.
4. Health
Aside from the afore mentioned, there are also some health benefits when kids engage in outdoor play. Because outdoor provides more room for playful activities, they are often more active when outside and this in turns develops their bones and fitness level while also burning off extra energy and calories. Also, a little exposure to sunshine help kids absorb vitamin D which prevents Rickets.
5. Independence
Outdoor play help kids learn independence when socially interacting with other children, as well as learning to play by themselves. They learn how to take turns playing games, to pick themselves up when they fall, and how to negotiate unfamiliar equipment, resulting in children learning how to be independent and self-reliant.
As kids spend more time at home while schools are on indefinite hold, encourage some (safe)outdoor play and a break from screen. Get creative with fun activities like STEM experiments, crafts and other activities that can help them take some time off screen and enjoy the beauty of outdoor play.
