Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Years

The benefits of outdoor play in early years are paramount to optimum physical and mental formation. Outdoor play can be a fantastic avenue for children to explore their surroundings, grow, learn, play and have fun! Outdoor fun will also provide some much-needed vitamin D from the sun! But first, let’s explore the concept of outdoor play and how we embrace it here at CABOOSH.

HOW CABOOSH EMBRACES The Role of Outdoor Play in Early Years

Outdoor play is essential to children's development. When children explore the natural world— discovering their surroundings—they become curious about what they can see, hear, feel and touch. Outdoor play engages various layers of development such as cognitive, physical, emotional and even psychological. Outdoor play often entails hands-on learning in which the natural environment becomes healthy stimuli for all of their senses. Promoting outdoor play provides the avenue for optimal development while also creating the space to breathe some fresh air. Often, the memories created during outdoor play hold a significant impact for the years to come. As a child, outdoor play engages the joy of finding new things.

At CABOOSH, we believe that one of our great assets is our outdoor play space. Fenced for safety, there is plenty of room for running around or ball games and places to sit in the natural shade of some large trees. We make use of our outdoor play space during every session of care, with both guided and free play, it’s one of our favourite things to do!

Within our expansive outdoor area, we have a large sand pit, two cubby houses, a basketball hoop, picnic tables and large trees for shade. There’s also plenty of space on our field to setup soccer goals, or other sport activities, so there’s always plenty of things for your kids to do outdoors!

Simple activities such as running, playing or watching nature bloom, can positively impact a child’s experience, as well as improving their social and emotional wellbeing. We encourage all of our children to make the most of their time in the sun (with appropriate sun protection of course) and spend time exploring the world around them.

Benefits of Outdoor Play in Early Years

Learning outside the classroom has innumerable benefits. Being outdoors removes any space constraints and thus, allows children to express themselves in new ways. Outside, children can jump, run, shout and discover their surroundings without the boundaries of an indoor environment. This sense of freedom is necessary and beneficial for a child’s development, both socially and individually.

Here are some of the benefits of outdoor play in early years:

1. Improves motor development

Both fine and gross motor skills are necessary for ultimate functioning. Outdoor play allows for the development of these physical skills as it creates a space for physical coordination and bodily movement. Outside time increases the child’s opportunity to walk, jump, run, climb, throw, skip, and more! We cannot underestimate the value of these skills for daily living.

2. Boosts self-confidence

Outdoor play offers great freedom for children of any age. The outdoor environment gives children the ability to explore the world and its intricacies with endless curiosity. In this place of adventure, children can grow in decision-making and critical thinking, cultivating a sense of confidence in themselves and the world around them.
In this way, children can play games while testing their physical limits. This space for self-expression also boosts their confidence.

3. Develops social skills

The nature of outdoor play allows children to interact with other children and even adults. Outdoor play harnesses opportunities to collaborate, negotiate and cooperate with others.
Often, an indoor setting can feel more intimidating than an outdoor setting. Naturally, children might feel more comfortable stepping out of their “shell” in this space. This learning space can foster healthy communication, boundary-setting, and conflict management and resolution at an early age. Outdoor play also has the benefit of allowing for an outdoor voice with lots of space for communication!

4. Fosters creativity and knowledge

One of the great benefits of outdoor play in early years is the opportunity to learn about the natural world. When children are outside, they discover their surroundings and learn about nature, the weather, different animals or insects that are found outdoors, and more. Since there is no physical limitation, outdoor play allows them to pretend play, for example, to be lion in the jungle or a baker in the kitchen.

5. Encourages Independence

When children play outside, they learn to enjoy outdoor activities from an early age. Whether they are walking, running or skipping, they are likely to develop the habit of outdoor play. They learn how to engage with the world around them and even problem-solve in various scenarios. This habit also allows them to fight a sedentary life. Independence will also help them grow in their risk-taking ability, learning how to be safe in an outdoor environment.

6. Promotes connection

Outdoor play gives you and your children the opportunity to bond over some tasks such as gardening, sweeping the leaves or even weeding. While these activities encourage some healthy habits, they also provide an opportunity to connect with your children in a different environment. A simple task such as hanging clothes on the line can lead to a time of bonding. The fun thing about the outdoors is that you don’t just have to stay in your yard. You can visit a park for some additional outdoor time.

Bumps and Bruises

When it comes to outdoor play, safety is absolutely vital. However, the right amount of supervision and freedom will teach them how to become safe, prudent and independent. The benefits of outdoor play in early years are multiple, so it’s okay for your child to explore and learn the boundaries of the natural environment. While there might be some bumps and bruises along the way, even these experiences will provide a child with the opportunity to learn from their choices.

Our Services

CABOOSH offers a full suite of out of school hours programs. These include:

Before School Care

You can drop your child off at CABOOSH from 6:30am and we’ll provide them with a nutritious breakfast. We’ll engage them in quiet activities suitable for the early hours of the morning to gently energise them before school starts. We’ll then drop them to school in our private mini buses.*

After School Care

After school care is perfect for busy families who are unable to pick their kids up from school. Our programs emphasise play, learning, recreation and social interaction.

Pupil Free / Staff Development Days

Our centre is open all day (6:30am-6:30pm) on pupil free / staff development days. On these days, we provide your children with breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and snacks, as well as a range of games and activities.

vacation care (school holiday programs)

We offer fun and exciting school holiday programs most days during school holidays. We are open all day from 6:30am to 6:30pm, giving you the flexibility you need to keep working, knowing that your kids are having a ball!

Find Out More

If you are interested in finding out more about how CABOOSH’s after school care programs can benefit your child, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team who will be able to answer any questions you may have.

If you’re ready to enrol your child in any of our out of hours care programs, you can fill out our short enrolment form now.