This report from the National Wildlife Federation reveals how getting down and dirty in the great outdoors — far from being a bad thing — has many benefits.  Mud play builds children’s immune systems, strengthens their cardiovascular system, assists skin with healing, improves mood, facilitates learning and decreases anxiety. It also explains why children who do not spend time outside run the risk of developing serious health issues like obesity, myopia and vitamin D deficiency.

 

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This study looks at the influence of outdoor time on preschool aged children’s physical, social and emotional development. The researchers’ aim was to examine preschoolers’ physical, social and emotional development in the setting of their interactions with various environmental affordances and their peers over a one year period. The children’s activities were observed in two natural outdoor environments: a creek next to the preschool and a trail along the river in a nearby national park. The study assessed sustained and complex interactions in the children’s immediate environment, over time, and included a number of developmental outcomes. Results showed confidence of children in this study increased with accrued experience and shifted from focus on their own abilities to a greater awareness of others and increasing social collaboration. The findings also illuminate the importance of varied and challenging environmental affordances for children’s free play and movement. This research suggests that early childhood educators should be encouraged to provide a diverse range of outdoor environments for children’s play, with shifting degrees of risk, to increase children’s developmental opportunities not only in the physical domain but also in a social context supporting resilience and emotional wellbeing.

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Year Level: Early Years

This study examined the effects of increased opportunities for nature play and risky play in the outdoor environments of two childcare centres. Researchers used the ‘Seven Cs’ play space design criteria, and added natural materials.  They measured changes in play, social behaviour, psychological wellbeing, and physical activity in 45 children aged 2 to 5. Findings showed significant decreases in depressed affect, antisocial behaviour and moderate to vigorous physical activity, and increases in play with natural materials, independent play, and prosocial behaviours. Early Childhood Educators observed improved socialisation, problem-solving, focus, self-regulation, creativity and self-confidence. Educators also noted a reduction in children’s stress, boredom and injuries, concluding that outdoor play spaces are important for promoting children’s wellbeing and development.

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Year Level: Early Years

Subject Area: Risk