The Importance of Outdoor Learning Opportunities
Promoting children's development in our outdoor area
At Daisykins Day Nursery in Rugby, we believe that it is essential for young children to get frequent and regular opportunities to explore outdoors. Playing and learning in the outdoor area provides children with the chance to explore the environment, nature and living things, but also has a huge benefit on other areas of their development.[gallery ids="7318,7319,7320"]Not only does playing outdoors allow children to develop a sense of confidence, well-being and independence, but it also supports children's problem-solving skills. Children are often presented with opportunities to develop congenial relationships with others as they negotiate, take turns and co-operate during their play. Our outdoor area is a safe and supervised area for children to experience new challenges, take risks and develop the skills needed to manage situations independently.
"Exposure to natural environments improves children's cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills." -Pyle, 2002.
Children's creativity is often nurtured in our outdoor area with several opportunities for each child to develop their imagination, ingenuity and inventiveness. Our outdoor area features three role-play brick houses which the children are keen to play in, engaging in make-believe play. The children also thoroughly enjoy learning and playing in the small-world tuff trays, often engaging in imaginative play. [ngg src="galleries" ids="253" display="basic_slideshow"]When in the outdoors, children of all ages can explore and investigate a wide range of materials that may not be found indoors. Children are able to engage in first-hand experiences of nature when exploring in our garden, in particular when observing and looking after the insects in the mud kitchen's bug hotel. This is an activity that the children show great interest in, often using the magnifying glasses to take a closer look. The children are in direct contact with the natural world and are encouraged to observe the changes in the weather, seasons and outdoor environment over time. At Daisykins we are eager to provide unique experiences for all children that include planned, spontaneous, child-initiated and naturally occurred activities.