Benefits From Outdoors Learning
Research on Nature Kindergartens
A growing amount of research and study of nature kindergartens has become available over the last 30 years. It is well documented that children’s development can be enhanced greatly in nature kindergartens in a number of areas. The following are some of the top benefits that outdoor learning and outdoor activities for kids provide.
Kids create team work and build amazing shelters
Leadership
During free play the children develop their abilities to work together, lead and follow.
A stick becomes a flute
Imagination and Creative Thinking Skills
Children in forest kindergartens are masters of ingenuity. They show significantly higher levels of imagination and creative thinking skills than their indoor peers.
We do a lot of climbing
Motor Skills, Muscles
Children’s gross and fine motor skills improve when they move on uneven surfaces. In nature children strengthen their muscles, agility and balance.
A quiet moment
Ability To Concentrate and Abstract Thinking Skills
The outdoor environment has a huge impact on children’s concentration and cognitive ability.
Gabo investigating life on a log
Independence
Outside the children have open space to develop games and solve problems independently.
Running in pools
Self Confidence and Resiliency
Taking and negotiating risk is an essential part or developing self confidence and resilience. In the outdoor environment children have the opportunity to interact with varying levels of risk in the natural world, such as weather and topography.
Getting your hands dirty
Health
Studies have shown that children in nature/forest kindergartens have 25% fewer sick days.
Balancing on logs
Spatial Sense and Awareness
The children develop their intuitive feel for shape and space while playing in nature. Nothing in nature ever moves the same way and awareness of the surroundings becomes necessary.