Why playing outside is great for young children 

Every day, all our children play outside in our rooftop play area. Not just because being outside is fun and boosts vitamin D. Playing outside has many developmental benefits, too: 

Physical development

Climbing objects is a mini-workout! Building strong muscles, improve coordination and enhancing their balance. 

 

Confidence boost 

Climbing up play equipment and sliding down is not only great fun. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment, grows their self-esteem, and encourages them to take on new, bigger challenges. 

 

Social skills 

Playgrounds are what coffee cafes are for us: social hubs! Taking turns on the play equipment and making new friends while waiting for their turn on the slide all helps build social skills in children. 

 

Problem-solving 

Children love challenges and solving small problems like figuring out how to climb play equipment without falling is a perfect way to do that.   

 

Sensory experience

Playing outside is a great sensory experience as they can feel the sun’s warmth, see the clouds, hear the birds chirping, smell the flowers and taste the vegetables in our garden.   

The benefits of playing outside and climbing objects from an EQM perspective

At Enrich Early Education, we follow the EQM approach. This approach combines the very best of the Montessori method and Emotional Intelligence principles. Montessori emphasizes hands-on learning, physical activity, and ‘yes-environments’ as essential in early childhood development.

 

Yes environments let children safely roam around, explore and follow their curiosity

Our classrooms and garden are set up as ‘yes environments’. They’re designed to let the children safely roam around, explore, and follow their curiosity and interests. This helps them in all the areas mentioned above, boosts their confidence because they hear fewer “no, don’t do that!” and fosters independence, decision-making, and hands-on learning.  

 

Outdoor play nurtures Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

From the Emotional Intelligence perspective, outdoor play is essential in nurturing EQ in young learners. Navigating the playground and its social dynamic teaches them how to manage their emotions, like bursting with excitement when it’s their turn to go off the slide or frustration when they’re waiting their turn on the play equipment. Going through these emotions teaches them resilience, patience and kindness to themselves. Interacting with the other children helps them make friends and enhances empathy as they learn to respond to the emotions of their friends.

So next time your child runs around the playground, making new friends, climbing, sliding, and exploring their heart out, it’s great to remember that it’s not only fun now: it’s play with purpose!