6 of Clubs - Play Outside - Imago Wellness Coaching
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6 of Clubs
Play Outside

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6 of Clubs - Play Outside

Swapping indoor playtime for outdoor activities can help you feel better physically and mentally.

Playing outside offers fresh air, more space to move around, and the chance to connect with nature!

A cute art of 3 children playing jumping rope

  1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
    Create a list of items found in nature (like pinecones, leaves, or rocks). Challenge your friends to find them all!
    Some fun videos on this:

    Nature Scavenger Hunt!

    Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids

    Kid's Outdoor Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt

  2. Obstacle Course
    Set up an obstacle course using hula hoops, cones, and jump ropes. Race against the clock or compete with friends.
    Some fun videos on this:

    PLAY INSPIRATION | 26 DIY Obstacle Course Ideas - Easy Prep and Minimal Equipment!

    PLAY INSPIRATION | 20 Plus Easy DIY Indoor Obstacle Course Ideas

  3. Tag Games
    Play classic tag games like freeze tag, shadow tag (where you tag each other’s shadows), or flashlight tag (when it gets dark).
    Fun video of magic tag:

    Games: Magic Tag

  4. Other playground games
    You could have a go at games like capture the flag, SPUD or monkey in the middle.
    These are all explained on this link: Outdoor Games for Kids (parents.com)

Playing outside is super fun and has countless benefits.

It helps you keep healthy and gives you vitamin D from sunlight, which is important for our bones, muscles and mood!

Exploring the outdoors also helps you feel closer to nature, reduces stress and makes you feel happier!

Being outdoors makes your bones strong, boosts your immune system, and keeps you active, which helps you feel great! Playing outside also lets you try new things and take safe risks, building your confidence and problem-solving skills.1

Your family genes (that’s like a special code inside you) can make you more likely to have nearsightedness, which means it’s hard to see things far away. But spending time outside is like wearing superhero glasses! Smart scientists found that kids who play outside a lot are less likely to become nearsighted. So, go out and explore – it’s good for your eyes.2

Small changes CAN make a big difference – that’s what the 1% Kids’ Club is all about.

Videos

Why Playing Outdoors Is Good for Kids

Taking the classroom outdoors can be an enriching experience for both teachers and students. Here are some practical tips for successful outdoor learning:

  • Set Physical Boundaries: Clearly define the outdoor area where activities will take place. Explain why certain boundaries exist – for example, staying away from roads or unsafe areas. Remind students to always keep you in sight.
  • Integrate Classroom Teachings: When taking your students outdoors, it might seem like you’re abandoning classroom rules and structures. However, integrating your existing teachings into the outdoor setting is highly effective. Set challenges, ask them to draw or write about their surroundings.
  • Think of engaging activities: some great games such as Rob the nest, Fitness Bingo, Minefield are amazing to get the kids smiling in outdoor spaces, for more information on these games visit – Fun Outdoor PE Games for New Zealand Schools – Twinkl

Incorporating games into the school environment can enhance the quality of play, fostering mature forms of interaction while boosting students’ motivation and confidence. Effective teacher interventions should be tailored to the children’s developmental stages, levels of play, and individual goals, while also considering their intentions and interests.3

For more insights on how to best support children’s learning through play, visit: What role should I take in children’s play to best support learning? – THE EDUCATION HUB.

  • Encouraging outdoor play is essential for your child’s development.
  • Provide safe spaces and set aside dedicated time for outdoor activities.
  • Join your children in exploring the great outdoors by planning weekend adventures to local parks, beaches, forests, or even the zoo! While it’s important to be involved in your child’s play, ensure that it remains child-driven. This allows them to move at their own pace, discover their interests, and develop self-advocacy skills.
  • Unstructured play brings pure joy and lets your child’s imagination run wild, helping them develop unique individual strengths.4
  1. Bento, G., & Dias, G. (2017). The importance of outdoor play for young children’s healthy development. Porto Biomedical Journal, 2(5), 157-160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbj.2017.03.003
  2. McLeod, S. (2023, November 26). 11 Tips for Classroom Management in the Outdoors. Thrive with Outdoor Learning.
    https://thrivewithoutdoorlearning.com/11-tips-for-classroom-management-in-the-outdoors/
  3. Tips for Outdoor Classroom Teaching | NatureBridge. (2020, February 21). Naturebridge.org.
    https://naturebridge.org/blog/2020-02-21-tips-outdoor-classroom-teaching
  4. Hargraves, V. (2019, November 11). What role should I take in children’s play to best support learning? – THE EDUCATION HUB. TheEducationHub. https://theeducationhub.org.nz/what-role-should-i-take-in-childrens-play-to-best-support-learning/
  5. Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics , 119(1), 182–191.
    https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697