In our fast-paced digital age, where screens and gadgets are ubiquitous, it's easy to overlook the incredible benefits of outdoor play in early childhood education and care. At our Eco Early Learning & Bush Kinder centres, located in Western Australia, we wholeheartedly embrace the significance of outdoor play in nurturing young minds. In this blog, we will explore why outdoor play is a crucial component of early childhood education and care, emphasizing the value of learning through play.
The Power of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is not just about running around and having fun; it's an essential aspect of early childhood development. Here's why it matters:
Physical Development: Outdoor play promotes gross motor skills as children climb, jump, and run which develops strength, balance, and coordination.
Social Skills: Children learn to interact with peers, negotiate, and problem-solve during outdoor play, fostering valuable social skills.
Creativity and Imagination: The outdoor environment stimulates creativity. Natural elements like sand, water, and trees provide endless possibilities for imaginative play.
Cognitive Growth: Children develop their sense of curiosity by exploring and experimenting in the outdoor environment. They learn cause-and-effect relationships and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Champions of Outdoor Play
At our Eco Early Learning & Bush Kinder centres, we understand the immense benefits of outdoor play.
Here's how we incorporate it into our early childhood education programs:
Natural Playgrounds: Our Eco Early Learning centres are designed to inspire curiosity and exploration with natural playgrounds that retain the raw landscape of Western Australia.
Educators as Facilitators: Our passionate educators are facilitators, guiding children's play by encouraging the children’s autonomy and sense of agency. This approach empowers children to take the lead in their learning journey.
Learning Through Play: We believe that children learn best when they're having fun. Our programs seamlessly integrate learning through play, allowing children to develop critical skills while enjoying themselves.
The Magic of Learning Through Play
Learning through play is a concept deeply ingrained in early childhood education and care.
Here's how it works:
Intrinsic Motivation: Children are naturally curious and motivated to explore their environment. Through play, they satisfy their curiosity and learn organically.
Holistic Development: Learning through play addresses the holistic development of a child – cognitive, physical, social, and emotional.
Long-lasting Lessons: Concepts learned through play are often retained better than those taught through formal instruction. Play creates lasting memories and a love for learning. Play is the child’s work
By incorporating outdoor play and the concept of learning through play into early childhood education and care we have a profound impact on a child's development.
Conclusion
Outdoor play is not just a fun pastime; it's a crucial component of early childhood education and care. At our Eco Early Learning & Bush Kinder centres, we recognise the value of outdoor play and incorporate it into our programs to nurture well-rounded, curious, and socially adept children. By embracing outdoor play and learning through play, we provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
The benefits of outdoor play in early childhood education and care cannot be overstated. It's about more than just physical activity; it's about holistic development, social skills, and a love for learning. If you're in Western Australia and searching for an early learning campus that values outdoor play and incorporates learning through play, look no further than Eco Early Learning & Bush kinder. Join us in nurturing the minds of tomorrow through the power of outdoor play.
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