What Does Playing Outside Help My Child Learn?

Creative outdoor play is a fantastic way for children to learn! The beauty of using natural objects in play is that children need to use verbal skills to communicate the meaning and purpose of an object to each other. A stick, for example becomes a walkie-talkie, an animal, or a fishing pole during playtime. Children invent more creative plot lines in play where they are not surrounded by toys with a predetermined use. In this way, outdoor play is helps children develop their imagination and creativity.  

Natural play also encourages teamwork. Children work together to build forts, move logs to search for insects, amongst other things. Studies have shown that children become more social when they are engaged in this type of play. The development of social skills like these is paramount for kindergarten readiness.

Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health Benefits

Nature immersion programs benefit children mentally, physically, and emotionally. Children’s cognitive abilities, focus, and attention improve after contact with nature, even in children with ADHD. Students with exposure to environmental education develop a lasting understanding of science. Children also gain improved problem solving abilities and an increased motivation to learn. Children who have participated in this type of education score higher on standardized tests in reading, listening, math, writing, and critical thinking.  

Children who spend more time outdoors are more physically active, have improved motor skills and are less likely to struggle with obesity. Children enrolled in outdoor education programs show improvements in self-esteem and confidence, and a reduction in behavior problems.

 The Bob Jones Nature Center’s Pathfinders Nature Preschool program, as in many other nature education programs, provides abundant time for the relaxed, uninterrupted, and unstructured play that children need to succeed. Perhaps the most important aspect of Forest School is that it promotes joyfulness and a sense of well-being.

What is a Nature Preschool?

A nature preschool provides children with the opportunity to spend time immersed in nature, playing and learning in local untamed areas where they can play, explore and experience natural systems and materials found there. Engaged outside in all types of weather, children and educators investigate natural phenomena and learn about the place in which they live.

Nature immersion schools are child-centered, curiosity-driven, and place-based. Children study local ecosystems, plants and animals by means of direct, hands-on experiences. Teachers present mini-lessons as children show interest in learning more about a topic. Using inquiry-based teaching styles, teachers prompt children to ask why and foster the development of the child’s own critical thinking skills. Children spend a large portion of class time engaged in valuable unstructured play. Many of us know intuitively that children should spend time engaged outdoors.  

PATHFINDERS NATURE PRESCHOOL

Bob Jones Nature Center is now offering a four-day Nature Preschool opportunity for children, 3- to 5-years-old, to explore nature through hands-on activities, science experiments, nature lessons, stories, hikes, and crafts at Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. You may choose to send your child to specific days offered or to the four-day option. For weekly themes and registration information, please see our website at http://bjnc.org/education-pathfinders-outdoor-preschool.php! Please call 817-491-6333 for more information or assistance with registration. 

Enroll for Fall Semester 2016