Community Education - current class catalogs Families - Fall 2019 | Page 17

Development
How Nature
Makes Kids
Calmer, Healthier
and Smarter.
In the midst of families’ busy schedules often filled with
sports and other activities, it is sometimes often hard to
fit in time to just play outside or visit a park.
Did you grow up, freely playing outdoors and climbing
trees? If you did, you’ll likely agree that you want your
child to enjoy those experiences as well.
Today, however, many children do not have a backyard
or anyone to play with. And then, as a parent, you worry
that you have to stay outside to keep them safe - but
what about dinner or those emails that you wanted to
answer?
So many children spend much of their time indoors. As a
result, by the time a child is in elementary school, given
a choice, they actually prefer to stay inside.
Our grandmothers were right: Kids need fresh air and
exercise. We all do. Research shows that children (and
adults!) who spend time outside in nature are:
Calmer - Fresh air soothes the senses. This is
particularly important for children who are more
sensitive to stimulation.
Happier - Studies show sunshine, fresh air, and
physical activity encourage good moods and reduce
tendencies toward depression.
Healthier - Children who don’t get enough time
outdoors can be vitamin D deficient, which affects
healthy eye function.
Better students - They have longer attention spans,
less frustration, and do better in school. It’s all that
oxygen to the brain.
More creative - Outdoor play is often less structured,
so kids exercise their imaginations as well as their
bodies.
So what’s the answer to our nature-deprived lives?
Getting outdoors! We know that usually kids won’t be
able to be outdoors without parents. So parents need to
get outside, too.
Anoka-Hennepin Schools ECFE teacher at Sorteberg
Early Childhood Center, Jessica Fabb, says, “For a
young child, everything is new—even the tiniest things
are interesting and exciting.” Fabb teaches classes in
the outdoor classroom at Sorteberg, which is full of
natural possibilities for adults and children to explore
together.
Here are two quick ideas
for outdoor play from Fabb:
• Set up an outdoor space that is inviting, and spend
time there with your child. A sandbox, wading pool,
swing, climbing structure or garden will keep your
child entertained for hours. If permanent structures
aren’t possible, think temporary: A tablecloth tent
or a bucket of water with funnels and cups, or a
shovel to dig a hole you can later refill.
• Spend time as a family in nature -- hiking, playing tag,
biking, or simply walking together to a local park or
just around the block. It allows your family to regroup
and get back in sync. It makes wonderful memories.
Lastly, “Don’t forget to ask open-ended questions when
you are outdoors with your child,” says Fabb. “You may
just be surprised with the enjoyment you both have
while being in nature together.”
If you’re stuck for ideas, check out the additional
suggestions that Fabb shares for family outdoor fun on
our resources page.
ahschools.us/ECFEtips
*Anoka-Hennepin Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is
fortunate to have two outdoor spaces for classes and Playtimes - Riverview
Early Childhood Center and Sorteberg Early Childhood Center.
www.ahschools.us/ecfe 17