How many of us find ourselves regaling today’s children with stories of “before?” Before smartphones, the internet, online gaming, binge-worthy streaming TV — in short, before technology encouraged all of us to lead more sedentary, less healthy lifestyles.
We talk about running free in the woods or meeting friends at the local park. We talk about playing outside until the streetlights came on, and how our families knew where we were because they saw bicycles piled on the grass or stacked in a bike rack.
We intuitively understand this was vital for our healthy development, but we might not realize that research supports this. The National Wildlife Federation puts it best when they say, “Experts agree that children need access to nature the same way they need nutrition and adequate sleep.”
Nature’s Benefits
Physical: When children navigate uneven ground and natural features like rocks, stumps, logs and streams, they are improving their balance, agility, coordination and strength at every turn. They also are taking in plenty of sunshine and fresh air, which they need to thrive.
Plus, if they feel a meaningful sense of adventure, they will continue to pursue physical activity, which supports more than just their bodies. According to Claire McCarthy, MD, at Harvard Medical School, children need to take some risks.
“If we keep them in bubbles and never let them take any risks, they won’t know what they can do,” she writes. “They may not have the confidence and bravery to face life’s inevitable risks.”
Cognitive: Outdoor play is largely unstructured, which supports a child’s cognitive development. As they use their imaginations and build new worlds, they exercise their muscles for creativity, focused attention, problem-solving and independence as well as collaboration.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that children who were in active play for one hour per day were better able to think creatively and multitask. It also observed that children pay more attention to class lessons after free play than after physical education programs.
Social/Emotional: Children learn about teamwork, empathy and patience as they share stories and build imaginary worlds together. That’s not all, however. According to AAP, in addition to fostering healthy social skills, their play also relieves stress and the symptoms of depression.
UCLA Health agrees, reporting that stress levels decrease within minutes of being outside, and natural outdoor settings might even help reduce ADHD symptoms.
Nature-Themed Play
Unfortunately, not every child, family and community has equitable access to natural outdoor environments. The good news is that a partner like us can work with you to create a vibrant, high-value playspace that incorporates nature-themed equipment and accessories as well as any naturally occurring features and resources.
Buell Recreation is the exclusive representative of BCI Burke in Washington and Oregon, also serving communities across northern Idaho and northern Nevada.
NaturePlay® pieces will add a sense of adventure to any playspace. For example, RockVenture® Climbers, RockIt® structures and NaturePlay Boulders give children a taste of rock climbing, while a variety of rocks, stumps and log tunnels add extra elements for exploration and discovery.
Children can cooperate to reveal prehistoric treasures though a large- or small-scale Fossil Dig as well.
If your playspace has natural hills, grassy areas, shade trees and water features, we will work with you to incorporate them into a seamless, intuitive playspace design. If not, children will still benefit from being physically active, engaging with each other and building lifelong skills in abundant fresh air.
Someday, the connection those children feel to nature will blossom into an adult appreciation for the outdoors. They will become the next generation of environmental stewards and conservationists, and they will share their own cherished stories of outdoor adventure with the generations to come.