5 Ways to Outdoor Play
See which outdoor activities are popular at Goodstart Glenvale Road, then keep outdoor learning in mind when choosing a childcare centre near you.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
Little kids can’t be cooped up inside all the time, and outdoor play is a really important part of the early learning experience.
Outdoor activities promote physical activity, socials skills, creativity and a strong connection with nature – which is vital as young children learn and grow – and Goodstart Early Learning Toowoomba – Glenvale Road is one centre that’s all in with outdoor play!
Centre Director, Eleni Svarnia, explains that the children at her Queensland service enjoy about four or five hours of outdoor play each day.
Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, with shade breaks in the mix, they’re free to explore the outdoor area in lots of different ways.
And to help with your understanding of outdoor learning, here are five of their favourite al fresco activities:
1. Sand play
Goodstart Glenvale Road has a spacious sandpit, and Eleni explains that the, “Children love digging, building sandcastles, and exploring different textures.
“Along the way, they often engage in imaginative play, pretending the sandpit is a beach or a construction site, which enhances their creativity and fine motor skills.”
2. Mud play
The mud pit at Goodstart Glenvale Road adds a special touch to outdoor play, and Eleni explains that, “In the mud pit, the kids get messy while mixing, digging and exploring dirt and water.”
She says, “This hands-on sensory experience helps to develop their sense of touch, coordination, concentration, and understanding of natural materials.”
And although the children are encouraged to dig deep with this kind of open-ended messy play, the team make sure they’re wiped clean in time for pick-up and the childcare commute!
3. Outdoor art and craft
Art and craft helps to foster the children’s artistic expression and fine motor development; and in the outdoor environment, littlies can think big and explore lots of different mediums.
For example, Eleni says the children at Goodstart Glenvale Road love activities like:
- Chalk drawing on pavements
- Creating nature collages with leaves and flowers
- Finger painting with water-based paints on outdoor surfaces; and
- Using paintbrushes on outdoor items, like umbrellas.
4. Gardening
Goodstart Glenvale Road is lucky to have a veggie patch and sensory garden, plus lots of keen bean gardeners!
The children are involved at every stage, from planting seedlings and keeping them watered, to spotting pests and harvesting produce; and as the weeks go by, they learn a lot about sharing, responsibility, healthy eating, life cycles and the five senses.
5. Free-wheeling fun and games
Eleni’s centre also has lots of room for children to develop their gross motor skills.
They love climbing, sliding, and imaginative role-playing in the timber fort; and the bike track gets plenty of foot traffic and scooter traffic.
The grassy area is also great, and Eleni says, “The kids enjoy running races on the lawn, playing ball games, and participating in group games like Hide-and-Seek.”
This encourages teamwork and physical fitness, and when the children need to wind down, the lawn is also perfect for group get-togethers, like picnics and cloud-gazing.
All of this outdoor play is amazing for the children’s learning and development, and it’s important for your little one too.
You can replicate these kinds of experiences at home or in your local greenspace, and if you’re searching for an early learning service, make sure you consider its outdoor program.
You’re looking for a place that offers safe, fun and enriching outdoor play, and Goodstart Early Learning definitely has you covered.
Use the FREE KindiCare App or Childcare Comparison Website to see all your options, then get ready to spring into summer with a wonderful childcare choice!
