At Happy Nest Nanny Agency, we understand that early childhood education goes beyond the classroom, and we believe that outdoor learning plays a crucial role in child development. Drawing inspiration from current research, we see that incorporating nature-based experiences can offer numerous benefits for children’s overall well-being and education. As the cooler autumnal weather has arrived it got me thinking how much we still need to incorporate outdoor play into our day.
“I know from my own personal experience with my youngest son that a traditional classroom environment wasn’t the best place for him to thrive and he did much better when his school introduced the Forest school programme. He was able to learn at his own pace and could move around freely and explore. He was still very much learning. He was being educated in a way that didn’t stifle him” I think we all feel better with some fresh air and sunlight don’t we?
Boosting Physical Health; Regular outdoor activities encourage children to be more active, improving their physical fitness and health. Outdoor play allows them to engage in activities that develop motor skills, coordination, and strength, contributing to better long-term health.
Enhancing Mental and Emotional Well-being; Time spent outdoors has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety in children. Nature provides a calming environment where children can process emotions and develop resilience. In fact, spending time outdoors is often associated with greater emotional balance and happiness.
Encouraging Social Development; Outdoor learning encourages children to collaborate, solve problems, and build friendships in a less structured environment than the classroom. These experiences help nurture social skills such as cooperation, communication, and teamwork, which are essential for personal and academic success.
Stimulating Creativity and Curiosity; Natural settings develop children’s curiosity and creativity. Being outdoors offers limitless opportunities for discovery, whether it’s investigating bugs, plants, or the weather. These moments fuel imaginative play and help children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Encouraging Independence and Confidence; Outdoor activities challenge children to explore and take risks within a safe environment. This helps them build confidence and self-reliance as they navigate new experiences, whether climbing a tree or organising a game with peers.
At Happy Nest, we recognise the value of outdoor education and encourage families and nannies to incorporate these enriching activities into their daily routines. Not only does outdoor learning support a child’s holistic development, but it also creates opportunities for nannies to engage children in meaningful, fun, and educational experiences.
Check these resources here at Forest Schools;
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/media/43645/outdoor-learning-resource-pack.pdf
Whether you’re a family seeking childcare and or a nanny looking to provide high-quality care, we can guide you on how to integrate outdoor learning effectively. Explore more with us to ensure your child’s development thrives in and out of the classroom!
