Session 3
1. Session 3
1.8. Inquiry 4
Session 3: Developing Through Play
Inquiry 4: Let Children Play Outdoors!
Preschoolers are playing in a muddy puddle. Some are jumping up and down in the puddle, others are making “rivers” into another puddle. One girl is scooping some water from a container and watering a nearby plant; another is picking up small pebbles, throwing them in the water, and watching the patterns the pebbles make.
In this example, the children are benefiting from the following:
- learning about the environment by watering plants and by making rivers by manipulating the soil
- learning about each other by playing together and communicating
- learning to feel control by creating the rivers and determining which activities they will engage in
- learning about the properties of water by jumping in the puddles, creating rivers, and watering plants
- learning about cause and effect by the splashes that result from jumping in puddles and by seeing the changes in the “rivers” when more or less soil is moved
- learning to get along with each other by playing in close proximity and negotiating activities
- developing their large muscles by jumping and by moving soil with their hands, arms, and feet
- developing small muscles and hand-eye co-ordination by watering plants and picking up pebbles
Outside play time, no matter where you live, can help children grow and have fun. Researchers say that children need to get outdoors every day, as it helps promote their social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional, and language development. Playing outside also helps children sleep better. Child care providers should try to plan to bring the children outside for outdoor play whenever the weather permits.
Important: If it is sunny, make sure children wear sunscreen and hats. Always make sure children are dressed appropriately for the weather. Stay close together and hold hands when crossing streets.
Developmentally Appropriate Outdoor Environments
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Infants benefit from the following:
- safe places to crawl
- sensory stimulation (interesting things to look at from different positions)
- protection from excess wind and sun
Toddlers benefit from the following:
- places and spaces for acting out different kinds of movements
- water experiences
Preschoolers benefit from the following:
- space for running, jumping, skipping, and so on
- bigger toys, like wagons
- playhouses for imaginative play
- exploration of garden insects, sand, and water