'Flexible and open' outdoor play activities are important
24/09/2010 Spaces which allow children to take part in outdoor play activities are important for physical and emotional development, one expert has suggested.
Fredrika Martensson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences at Alnarp, writing for Children in Europe magazine, said that areas which allow children to take part in open and flexible play are essential, Nursery World reports.
Ms Martensson said: "Playgrounds are an important infrastructure for children in the outdoor landscape."
She added that, if there are structures in the area designated for outdoor play activities, "there [also] needs to be greenery in the vicinity and more extensive surroundings for the children to elaborate on".
The expert also said that green areas for outdoor play activities allow children of different ages to interact with each other.
Researchers at the University of Illinois recently carried out a study which revealed children who regularly take part in outdoor play activities have better memories.
The scientists found that the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory – was up to 12 per cent larger in more physically fit children.
Fredrika Martensson from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences at Alnarp, writing for Children in Europe magazine, said that areas which allow children to take part in open and flexible play are essential, Nursery World reports.
Ms Martensson said: "Playgrounds are an important infrastructure for children in the outdoor landscape."
She added that, if there are structures in the area designated for outdoor play activities, "there [also] needs to be greenery in the vicinity and more extensive surroundings for the children to elaborate on".
The expert also said that green areas for outdoor play activities allow children of different ages to interact with each other.
Researchers at the University of Illinois recently carried out a study which revealed children who regularly take part in outdoor play activities have better memories.
The scientists found that the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory – was up to 12 per cent larger in more physically fit children.
