Children have a natural affinity with the outdoor world. Under the sky, with the fresh air filling their lungs and the natural light on their faces, there is a sense of space and freedom. They can move around on a large scale, be active and work out what their bodies can do. They can touch, move and create things with natural materials in ways that are not possible indoors. They can be noisy and messy as they investigate the world with all their senses and their whole bodies.
Jan White, consultant for outdoor provision in the early years, says that daily opportunity to spend time in rich outdoor environments is of 'crucial' importance for babies and toddlers. 'The child is intensely driven to explore and is hugely disadvantaged if this is restricted to a range of indoor environments, however varied.'
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