Theme : At The Playground / In the Garden

Benefits for Children of Play in Nature

Children who play in nature have more positive feelings about each other (Moore 1996).

  There's no way that we can help children to learn to love and preserve this planet, if we don't give them direct experiences with the miracles and blessings of nature."

Anita Olds

When children play in natural environments, their play is more diverse with imaginative and creative play that fosters language and collaborative skills (Moore & Wong 1997, Taylor, et al. 1998, Fjortoft 2000).

Natural environments stimulate social interaction between children (Moore 1986, Bixler et al. 2002).

The Benefit of Playgrounds for children 

 

Playgrounds provide an opportunity for free play. Free play differs from the structured play of 

recess or organized sports and games. Playground free play allows children to play any way they 

choose, supported by a wide range of structures and spaces. Free play allows the child to explore 

according to his or her natural tendencies, and allows them to learn from one another and to 

interact with a wide range of age group

Playgrounds provide crucial and vital opportunities for children to play. There is substantial 

research showing the clear link between play and brain development, motor-skills, and social 

capabilities. All learning—emotional, social, motor and cognitive—is accelerated, facilitated, 

and fueled by the pleasure of play. Playgrounds that promote different types of play are vital for 

a child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.

PLAY....LEARN....AND....GROW TOGETHER