Value of Outdoor Play in the Early Years - Essay Example

Conclusion s Submitted by s: Conclusion Play generally improves all the aspects that are associated with the development of children as well as their leaning and in the process acts as their window to the world (Saracho, 2012, p. 100). Several factors are held responsible for the cultural shift that has taken place in society that has developed a decreasing access to play in a majority of the children and they include fears within the adults as far as the safety of children is concerned as well as advances in technology which leads to lifestyles that are sedentary.

An increasing number of children are spending a considerable amount of time in the settings that pay attention to the structured education as well as recreational activities and therefore leave very little time for the children to participate in the plays that are self-initiated. Outdoor play cultivates all the aspects of the development of the children and it develops a foundation of physical, social, emotional as well as intellectual skills that are needed for success in schools as well as in life.

Play that is characterized by pretending encourages communication and therefore enhances skills that are needed in communication, role playing as well as perspective taking while developing the skills that are needed to solve problems which include persuading, compromising as well as cooperating (Mayesky, 2009, p. 128). Learning that takes place outside the classroom has the advantage of supporting the development of a lifestyle that can be perceived to be healthy since it gives children the chance to take part in physical activities which involve freedom and movement while encouraging a sense of wellbeing.

It also allows them to have contact with the natural world while availing to them experiences, which are specific to the outdoors that may include exposure to the weather as well as different seasons. It also goes a long way in the development of skills that are needed for dealing with problems while developing a sense of creativity as well as opportunities that will enhance imagination, ingenuity and originality. BibliographyMayesky, M. 2009, Creative activities for young children, 1st ed, Delmar, Clifton Park, NY.

Saracho, O. 2012, An integrated play-based curriculum for young children, 1st ed, Routledge, New York.