What can children gain from outdoor activities?

Outdoor activities are an important part of early years education. They not only improve children's physical fitness, but also promote their psychological and social development. We have invited two Nursery teachers to share with friends the benefits that children can gain from being outdoors.

Nature education is an important concept in current early years education. Outdoors, children come into contact with the natural environment, understand natural laws, and experience the charm of nature. In the spring they can observe the revival of all things; in the summer, they can feel the hot sun and cool water; in the fall, they can enjoy the harvest of fruit and the changing colours of leaves; in the winter, they can touch ice and snow and feel the cold breath of winter. In the natural environment, children can unleash their imagination and creativity, explore the unknown world, cultivate their awe of nature, and establish a harmonious attitude towards living with nature.

Outdoor activities allow children to engage in independent physical exercise. Activities such as running, jumping, and climbing can enhance the development of children's large muscle groups, improve muscle strength, and coordination. Free exploration activities in mud kitchens and sandboxes can also help children develop fine motor skills, exercise small muscle groups involved in controlling movements, such as wrists, hands, and fingers. Fine motor development is crucial for daily life and can help improve children's physical flexibility, agility, movement accuracy, control, fine motor coordination, and hand-eye coordination. It is also related to early literacy, helping to support key early reading and writing skills.

Cross-age socialization outdoors can provide favourable conditions for the social development of young children. During outdoor games, children of different ages may need to observe and think about how to interact with peers or complete the game due to differences in cognitive development levels. In the process of independently or cooperatively advancing game activities, children need to solve problems, which can also promote their social development.

Outdoor activities are full of diversity and possibilities, and any kind of learning can happen outdoors. When we provide children with opportunities for outdoor learning, their intelligence, emotional quotient, and physical fitness can develop freely. During these activities, children can naturally break through themselves, make progress through personal experience, practice, and social interaction.

If you are interested in learning more about how deep level learning takes place in the Early Years, and supports lifelong success, please don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Team.Our Co-Heads of Lower School would be delighted to welcome your family to the Nursery for a Day Pass experience so your child can participate in our wonderful learning opportunities with current Nursery students.