Research documents the benefits of playing, learning, and simply being outdoors. National and international movements encourage more time in nature. However, this can be challenging for early care professionals. In this lesson, adult facilitators view examples of rural, suburban, and urban programs that support outdoor fun. Grow in confidence, understanding and capacity to support best practices in outdoor play for birth to school-age children. (2 hours)
Objectives
- Examine policies and practices from a range of early care settings that support nature play and learning, and quality outdoor time.
- Itemize key components of a quality outdoor learning and play environment.
- Describe the benefits of big body play for young children.
- Describe the positive impacts nature play or green space time has on children's mental and emotional well-being.
- State several specific actions any early care professional can take to manage risk in an outdoor learning environment.
- Identify practical barriers to changing practices regarding outdoor time and craft realistic responses or solutions to address at least one of those barriers.
