2 Benefits of Outdoor Play
Cognitive[1][2]
- Promotes school readiness
- Increases focus, memory, alertness
- Enhances executive function
- Creative problem solving skill development
- Achievement gap decreases
Emotional[3]
- Improves emotional regulation
- Relieves stress
- Increases relaxation & improves sleep
- Supports positive mental health and reduction in anxiety
- Reduces negative impact of modern society and technology on mental health
Social[4]
- Improves self-confidence & self-esteem
- Increases problem solving skills
- Social anxiety decreases
- Social competence increases
Physical[5][6]
- Increases locomotion and stability skills
- Increases bone density
- Increases visual acuity and depth perception
- Decreases risk of injury
- Becker, D. R., Grist, C. L., Caudle, L. A., & Watson, M. K. (2018). Complex physical activity, outdoor play, and school readiness among preschoolers. Global Education Review, 5(2), 110-122. Retrieved from https://doaj.org/article/b890f37c8b5d45f3bddc2ff8fa05e1fc ↵
- ParticipACTION. (2018). The ParticipACTION report card on physical cctivity for children and youth. https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/resources/report-card ↵
- eMentalHealth.ca. (2018). Nature and why it's essential for kids' brains: Information for parents and caregivers. http://www.ementalhealth.ca/index.php?m=article&ID=52861 ↵
- Becker, D. R., Grist, C. L., Caudle, L. A., & Watson, M. K. (2018). Complex physical activity, outdoor play, and school readiness among preschoolers. Global Education Review, 5(2), 110-122. https://doaj.org/article/b890f37c8b5d45f3bddc2ff8fa05e1fc ↵
- Janssen, I., & Leblanc, A. (2015). Systematic review of the health benefits of physical activity and fitness in school-aged children and youth. School Nutrition and Activity, 183-219. doi:10.1201/b18227-14 ↵
- ParticipACTION. (2018). The ParticipACTION report card on physical cctivity for children and youth. https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/resources/report-card ↵
