The Values of Outdoor Play

I Learned

I learned that childhood is moving more indoors and children are not getting 12 hours of
free time a week. I learned that public schools are not helping and an increasing number of
elementary schools are eliminating recess or are considering it. I have the fear that if schools
eliminate recess more and more children are going to get miss diagnosed with ADHD or other
diseases because they lose those opportunities to imagine or burn off energy. This negative
attitude toward play reflects a fundamental, physical, and social/emotional growth. I learned
that when children have a say in the topics they are to study (play) they are motivated to learn
(love) and the outcome is solid and long lasting.
I learned outdoor play is important at all age levels but particularly in early childhood
and the elementary years. Because play is the dominant drive during early childhood, most
learning during this age period is self-directed. We may model this but it is the child who
decides to follow that model. That is why it is so important to follow the young childs lead. I
learned that young people create their own rules even within the constraints of organized
sports. Childrens outdoor play is not a luxury, it is critical in childrens ability to learn about the
world, others and themselves.

Playscapes and Playgrounds:
Playscapes use more natural materials and playgrounds, are very large motor and are a
study structure. They both meet the childrens developmental needs, the playscapes gives them
opportunity to use their fine motor, they are learning science, math, and depending on the
playscape can be large motor. Playgrounds are very good for childrens large motor.