The Benefits of Outdoor Play for ALL Students!

Now that the weather is getting nice, students are more able to take advantage of playing outdoors!  The benefits of outdoor play reach far beyond just enjoying the nice weather.  Students can benefit physically, mentally and socially from spending time outdoors.  Physically students can increase their muscle strength, coordination and flexibility.  It will also help to improve body awareness, motor planning, endurance and motor skills.  There are also many social benefits to outdoor play.  Students can engage in symbolic play which in turn helps strengthen their social skills.  It also helps them learn conflict resolution and collaborative play with peers, while greatly increasing their self-esteem.  Students also benefit mentally.  As they work out their "problems" in a fun, relaxed, play time situation, they are better able to handle them as they come up in other areas of their life.  This leads to an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem.  Outdoor play is good for everyone, not just students!!  Spending time together outdoors as a family will have all of the above mentioned benefits, plus the added bonus of family time!! 

-Amy Keveanos, Teacher, Celebrate the Children