Reasons Why

Outdoor Play is Important

Reasons why outdoor play is important for our children

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Play is crucial for children as it fosters imagination, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being. It enhances literacy and language skills through storytelling and communication. Additionally, play promotes independence, physical fitness, and social skills like sharing and turn-taking. Through play, children learn about the world, build friendships, and develop essential life skills.

Types of Play

UNOCCUPIED PLAY (0-3 MONTHS) Babies or young children exploring materials around them without any sort of organization

• It allows newborns to identify their legs, hands, arms, and feet

• This is their first attempt to learn about their world

INDEPENDENT/SOLITARY PLAY (BIRTH TO 2 YEARS) When a child starts to play alone

• Looking at colorful pictures in board books

• Sorting and stacking cups

• Playing under the play gym

• Playing with blocks

ONLOOKER PLAY (2 YEARS) Child begins to watch and observe other children play but does not play with them

• Watching other children play at a distance

• Children suggest possible solutions to other children but not actively joining in on their play

PARALLEL PLAY ( 2+ YEARS) When a child plays alongside or near other children but does not play with them

• The child playing in the same area but not necessarily with the same toy

ASSOCIATIVE PLAY (3-4 YEARS) When a child starts to interact with others during play

• The child will play on the playground equipment but all doing different activities like climbing, swinging or sliding

COOPERATIVE PLAY When children play together with shared goals

• Playing store

• Playing restaurant

• Putting on a stage show

• Playing going to the doctor