Mums open outdoor play kindergartens
27/07/2009 Two first-time mums have taken their own enjoyment and experience of playing outdoors to help them open a new outdoor kindergarten.
Debbie Simmers and Alison Latta, both 31, came up with the idea when they couldn't find a nursery in Glasgow where their own children would be able to spend most of the day outdoors, exploring nature.
The pair said that it was too dangerous to play in cities now but they wanted their children to experience an active life as they had together from the age of four, reports the Sunday Mail.
Children attending the kindergarten are free to explore nature in a woodland setting and are encouraged to climb trees, build dens, track animals and play with any natural objects they find.
The theory behind the kindergarten movement is that children learn more effectively in a natural environment.
Professor Peter Smith, a child psychologist who specialises in children's play, told the news provider: "Many city children aren't otherwise going to get too many experiences of these country and wildlife activities. It's educational and great exercise."
According to Bupa, children should be doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but four out of ten boys and six out of ten girls don't reach this target.
Debbie Simmers and Alison Latta, both 31, came up with the idea when they couldn't find a nursery in Glasgow where their own children would be able to spend most of the day outdoors, exploring nature.
The pair said that it was too dangerous to play in cities now but they wanted their children to experience an active life as they had together from the age of four, reports the Sunday Mail.
Children attending the kindergarten are free to explore nature in a woodland setting and are encouraged to climb trees, build dens, track animals and play with any natural objects they find.
The theory behind the kindergarten movement is that children learn more effectively in a natural environment.
Professor Peter Smith, a child psychologist who specialises in children's play, told the news provider: "Many city children aren't otherwise going to get too many experiences of these country and wildlife activities. It's educational and great exercise."
According to Bupa, children should be doing at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, but four out of ten boys and six out of ten girls don't reach this target.
