Nature Play and Outdoor Learning
Connecting children with nature is one of the most powerful ways we can support their growth, development, and well-being. Outdoor environments offer rich opportunities for play, discovery, and exploration that cannot always be replicated inside. In early childhood, learning through nature builds physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills, while fostering a lifelong connection to the environment.
Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning is not just about “playing outside”—it is about engaging children in meaningful experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. Research shows that time in nature supports children’s ability to concentrate, problem-solve, and build resilience (Lester & Maudsley, 2007). Being outdoors also provides freedom to move in larger spaces, encouraging physical development, balance, and coordination (Dyment & Bell, 2008).
Benefits of Nature Play
Physical Development: Running, climbing, balancing, and digging help children build gross motor strength and confidence.
Cognitive Growth: Outdoor play often involves problem-solving, imaginative play, and experimenting with natural materials. These experiences stimulate creativity and critical thinking (Waller et al., 2017).
Emotional Wellbeing: Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and supporting mental health (Gill, 2014).
Social Skills: Outdoor play provides opportunities for teamwork, negotiation, and collaboration. Children learn to share space, resources, and ideas.
Environmental Awareness: By caring for plants, exploring wildlife, and noticing seasonal changes, children develop respect and responsibility for the natural world (Elliott & Krusekopf, 2017).
The Role of Educators
Educators play a vital role in creating safe and stimulating outdoor learning spaces. This can include:
Setting up invitations to play with natural materials such as leaves, sand, water, and loose parts.
Encouraging risky play in safe ways—allowing children to climb, jump, or explore within appropriate boundaries.
Linking outdoor experiences to curriculum goals, such as literacy through storytelling under a tree, or STEM through exploring shadows and weather patterns.
Building Lifelong Connections
When children spend time in nature from an early age, they are more likely to carry environmental care and outdoor activity into adulthood. Outdoor learning is not just a “nice to have”—it is a foundation for holistic development, resilience, and wellbeing.
At Robina First ELC, we are committed to making nature a part of everyday learning. Whether it’s through gardening, outdoor group times, or child-led exploration in our play spaces, we see the joy and growth that comes from being in the natural world.
References
Dyment, J. E., & Bell, A. C. (2008). Grounds for movement: Green school grounds as sites for promoting physical activity. Health Education Research, 23(6), 952–962. https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cym059
Elliott, S., & Krusekopf, F. (2017). The outdoor playspace naturally: For children birth–five years. Pademelon Press.
Gill, T. (2014). The benefits of children’s engagement with nature: A systematic literature review. Children, Youth and Environments, 24(2), 10–34. https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.24.2.0010
Lester, S., & Maudsley, M. (2007). Play, naturally: A review of children’s natural play. National Children’s Bureau.
Waller, T., Ärlemalm-Hagsér, E., Sandseter, E. B. H., Lee-Hammond, L., Lekies, K., & Wyver, S. (2017). The SAGE handbook of outdoor play and learning. SAGE Publications.