As a Forest School Leader I'm passionate about getting children out in nature and learning in all weathers! To understand why outdoor learning is so important for young children read our list of benefits below:
1.
The natural world can be a whole different environment in different types of weather. The same space can seem like a whole new land on a snowy, icy, sunny or rainy day.
2.
It is important to spend time outdoors to be exposed to sunlight to enable the body to manufacture vitamin D. You still get sunlight exposure on cloudy, damp, rainy days as you do on sunny bright days.
3.
Spending time outdoors can minimise the spread of viruses and bacteria in comparison to poorly ventilated indoor environments, you can't catch a cold from playing outdoors in winter!
4.
Spending time out in nature throughout the year teaches children the changing seasons, environment and the world around us and how we can adapt to these changes.
5.
Children learn important life lessons about their own bodies and how they adapt to different temperatures, developing responsibility.
6.
Outdoor play encourages whole body physical activity, helps to develop self confidence, self belief and independence, as children learn to assess their own risks.
7.
There are many social and emotional benefits for all ages when spending time in the great outdoors in nature. And nothing tastes quite as good as a hot chocolate around the campfire on a cold winter's day or a cool drink in the shade of a tree on a warm summer's day!
One of the best things I've learnt, working outdoors with Forest School is to embrace, not endure the different weather.
By Fran at Boots and Brambles
