Does the Weather control your Play?

We all know time outside enjoying fresh air and sunshine is important for children and has many health benefits, however why do we stop outside play when it gets cold or when the sun disappears?

There are many “myths” around the weather such as playing in the cold will give you a cold…in actual fact this is not true! You need to come in contact with a virus or bacteria to become unwell. The more we stay inside in enclosed spaces during cold/ flu seasons the more likely we will become ill.

While it is now warming up and there will be days we choose not to venture outdoors due to the heat and UV index, however it is important in early childhood that during our colder months / days we still encourage and value outdoor play for various reasons. Let’s face it… we don’t know what “real cold” is in Australia!

Benefits of outdoor play are (and not limited to..);

• Provides activity & exercise: this is critical for positive well-being and overall physical health
• Promotes problem-solving & imagination: outdoor play allows children to engage in different types of play as compared to indoor play where they create games, engage in dramatic play, build and design.
• Vitamin D: children (and adults) need to get their Vitamin D intake from the sun as this helps mood, energy levels and overall health.
• Appreciation: when we play outside we explore, appreciate and build respect for the environment.
• Social relationships: playing outside promotes relationships. Children can be seen playing and engaging with others, making up games, playing chasey / hide and seek with children other than their friends.
• Children develop observational skills when outside as they begin to “notice”amazing aspects of their outdoor space
• Builds confidence: children who engage in outdoor play and gross motor play tend to have high levels of confidence and self-esteem.. They tend to have a “give it a go” attitude!!

We need to educate families about the importance of engagement in our outdoor environments and you can do this through your Newsletters, Apps and face to face conversations.

So next time the temperature is cold, it is windy or the sun is hiding, just pop on a jacket and take the children outside and explore what it has to offer!