WAYS TO ENCOURAGE OUTDOOR PLAY IN
5W I N T E R
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. - Fred Rogers
Children and youth these days spend a lot of time indoors using electronic equipment like computers, game consoles, tablets, mobile phones, watching their favourite programs on TV, or playing with the numerous electronic toys that are available today. Now, whilst I am not against that what so ever ( Cbeebies and Disney have babysat my girls for a hour or two after a night shift ) I knew when I was pregnant or when I had my own family, that I'd want to spend as much time outdoors as possible and very little indoors. Being outdoors comes with an array of benefits and opportunities for exploration and learning. But what about heading outside during these colder months? While it might feel like those rainy days restrict us from enjoying outdoor play, the truth is there are so many great benefits from popping on your boots, dressing warm and getting out into nature, even in winter.
