3. Overview
Ice Breaker
WHY Outdoor Play?
Types of Outdoor Play
Looking at Outdoor Play through the Seasons
Children’s Literature that Supports Outdoor Play
Resources & Materials
4.
5.
6. Why Is Outdoor Play so
Important?
Many of the developmental tasks that our children must
achieve --- exploring, risk taking, fine and gross motor skills
can be effectively addressed through outdoor play.
BENEFITS include:
Physical Exercise
Enjoyment of the Outdoors
Learning About the World
Learning about Self and the Environment
The Surplus Energy Theory
Health
Allowing Children to Be Children
Encouraging Different Kinds of Physical Play
7. Challenges
Our students are not participating in outdoor play because of many
factors
Excessive tv and computer use
Unsafe neighborhoods
Busy and tired parents
Push down of inappropriate curriculum
Removal of recess
Getting the students outdoors each day
during the school day presents challenges as well.
Appropriate clothing
Time
Safe playgrounds
Necessary Equipment
8. Types of Outdoor Activities
Recess
• Big Body Play, Spontaneous Activities
Structured Activities
• Parachute Play, Obstacle Courses
Focused Activities
• Nature Education, Literacy, Math & Science
Ice Breaker - Many of us remember the words “Go outside and Play” from when we were children. Research(Nielson Company Report) shows that children between 2 and 5 spend more than 32 hours a week on average in front of a tv screen.
