Outdoor Play – Why is it good for your kids?
Spring has sprung and according to children's Occupational Therapist, Dagney Hopp, the time has never been better for your kids to get outside and play.
"Outdoor play is a vital part of kids' learning,' says Dagney.
"We all know that outdoor exercise is good for our children's health, but outdoor play also helps kids to build social skills."
Dagney says that when children's bodies are busy climbing, swinging and exploring active outdoor fun, their minds are developing too.
"Many a friendship has been forged over a game of chasing, handball and park play, so it's important that children learn to swing, climb, run and balance so that they can interact successfully with their peers," she said.
Dagney advises parents to choose safe but challenging activities for children and says that kids between the ages of 2 and 10 usually enjoy outdoor play environments that contain swings, slides, climbers, playhouses, sandboxes and sprinklers.
"It's great to have fixed play structures at home, but if your backyard doesn't lend itself to these options, try different places like parks, beaches, zoos, museums, playgroups and swimming pools. These outdoor locations all provide children with new experiences that help them to learn."
Dagney says that outside play doesn't always need to include bikes, scooters and swings and she encourages parents to be creative in setting up outdoor games.
"Most children love it when activities they usually enjoy inside are taken outside, so don't be afraid to painting, music and construction games into the backyard. Kids love it and at this time of year, the fresh air is good for them."
Dagney says that outdoor play activities that encourage children to cooperate with other kids are among the best ways to help them learn.
So now that winter is over, get your kids off the couch and out into the sunshine. Their minds and bodies will grow stronger when you give them the chance to play.
Dagney's top tips for outdoor play fun include:
- Trampolines
- Traditional games like tag, hide and seek
- Obstacle courses
- Swings
- Playground equipment
- Planks, low fences to walk along
- Cubby house
- Construction toys, building blocks
- Bikes, scooters and skateboards
- Painting
- Tricycle
- Music and movement tames
- Light bats with large balls
- Sports, dancing, gymnastics etc.
- Gardening
- Imaginary play like ‘shops' and ‘schools'
- Water play with buckets, sprinklers, sponges
© Sonja Walker 2010
This article was written by Sonja Walker, a qualified teacher and busy mum. Sonja leads a team of highly experienced, specialist teachers and children's health professionals at Kids First Children's Services a unique integrated children's education and health centre in Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Kids First offers a variety of programs for children aged 3 to 15, including its ‘Confident Little Kids' program for pre-schoolers and after school skills and tuition programs for primary and high school students. Kids First Children's Services also offers professional Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Educational Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and Dietary advice, Parenting Support and Counselling at its Brookvale centre.
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