Outdoor environments provide unique opportunities for children to learn and develop. Outdoor learning benefi ts children physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally and promotes positive attitudes to learning. Outside children enjoy freedoms that aren’t possible in the classroom, everything can be louder, larger and messier.
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The outdoors provides a fl exible space for children to explore concepts from a different perspective. It is easily adapted and ever changing. Outside children are able to enjoy real and fi rst-hand experiences, as well as opportunities to learn through sensory activities and through movement. Many children are naturally drawn to and thrive in the outdoor environment.
Children often engage in unstructured play outside and can follow their own ideas and interests. This offers opportunities for children to challenge and express themselves, to imagine and create, to investigate, invent and problem solve. Through independent play children also develop their ability to self-direct, self- regulate and persevere.