The outdoors, with its rich possibilities, is much more than a means for children to ‘let off steam’ or simply a change of environment for promoting narrow curriculum outcomes. Children are biologically programmed to move, explore and experiment, making outdoor experiences essential for their all-round development, health, well-being and learning.
Such experiences are all the more important in the light of societal changes in lifestyles, reduced play spaces, increasing technology and schooling at younger ages, which together are limiting children’s chances to play outside.
The outdoors is a unique, deeply engaging and special place for children. So, the child will not be the same outside as when they are within four walls. Quiet children may speak more, while others may become calmer and more focused, especially in a natural space. Less structured outdoors provides a more relaxing – and often more valuable – learning environment for many children than the classroom.
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