Let Children Play Outside! It's Their Right.

Children have the right to be healthy. Being outdoors can make you healthy and happy! Being outside benefits physical and mental health! Physical health benefits include being active (exercise), increased Vitamin D, improved sleep, boosted immunity and lower stress/anxiety. 

Children are capable and confident mighty learners. They each have their own voice and should feel empowered to use that voice! Children have the right to express their views, thoughts and feelings. When a child asks to play outside the answer should always be yes unless there are extenuating circumstances. Children have the right to give their input on any and all decisions that effect them this includes where and when they are allowed to PLAY. 

Early Childhood Education programs should help children develop in all domains. Outdoor play is essential to child development. Through outdoor play children learn how to interact socially, problem solve, regulate emotions, develop motor skills, math, science, language and environmental sustainability.

“When children have access to the same natural space on a regular basis they are provided with opportunities to build an ongoing relationship with the land, to a dedicated educator, to one another and to themselves through this educational approach.” (Dietze & Kashin, 2019)