EXPLORE, DREAM, DISCOVER – Encourage Outdoor Learning for Children

Play is essential for children’s healthy development, which means it’s an essential part of every day. As per research 56% of children globally play outside for one hour or less each day. Celebrating and inspiring outdoor learning and play is Outdoor Classroom Day, where thousands of schools around the world take lessons outdoors and prioritize playtime on this day. Action for Children’s Environments or ACE, an NGO and a charitable trust in India, is encouraging teachers, schools and parents across India to take at least one lesson outdoors on Thursday, October 12, 2017, as part of this initiative.
The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes play as a right of every child and The American Academy of Paediatrics states, “Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth”.
Let’s see how we can bring them out to embrace sunshine, fresh air and numerous other benefits associated with outdoor playing:

1. Create a Fun Zone:

To inspire and motivate little ones to play outdoors, we need to create a kid’s friendly space in the field, playground or backyard. Assigning them a designated place to play helps create a sense of belonging and achievement. Give them tools and toys to explore things on their own. A magnifier, binoculars, trowel and buckets would make learning more fun and innovative.

2. Arrange Outdoor Playdates:

Think out of the box and arrange interesting playdates for them. Outdoor playdates need not have a well-defined structure. It should be random, spontaneous and all about fun and frolic. A good mix of games, music and lot of physical activity will help build excitement and enthusiasm for them to stay outdoor.

3. Walk while you Talk:

Ditch your car next time when you step out for grocery shopping with kids. Take a walk with your little ones to the store and engage them in talking and observing things around. Undoubtedly the best way to bond together, spend some quality time and connect with nature in a healthy way.

4. Do it Together:

Parents and teachers are the role models for kids. They look upto them and it makes a huge difference when children find them involved in any activity. Practice before you preach, set an example and make learning more fun. Participating in an outdoor activity like cycling, fishing or camping with kids will certainly be more encouraging for them than pushing them to go out and play.