Outdoor play activities 'help develop motor skills'
18/03/2010 Outdoor play activities help children to develop important motor skills, according to Suite 101.
In an article about the benefits of external spaces in schools, the website said that outdoor play activities are "essential for child development" and play areas should be seen as "an extension of the classroom".
Many different studies have been conducted into the benefits of outdoor activities, which include a reduced risk of developing near sightedness and improved social and emotional development.
A recent report from Play England found that supervised outdoor play activities reduced the risk of young people committing crimes and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Suite 101's article suggested that outside areas could include "crawling spaces for large motor skills and an obstacle course to develop problem-solving skills as well as enhance overall fitness".
Children were also said to develop a better understanding of nature and their surroundings from the time spent taking part in outdoor play activities, or from participating in indoor games outside.
In an article about the benefits of external spaces in schools, the website said that outdoor play activities are "essential for child development" and play areas should be seen as "an extension of the classroom".
Many different studies have been conducted into the benefits of outdoor activities, which include a reduced risk of developing near sightedness and improved social and emotional development.
A recent report from Play England found that supervised outdoor play activities reduced the risk of young people committing crimes and engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Suite 101's article suggested that outside areas could include "crawling spaces for large motor skills and an obstacle course to develop problem-solving skills as well as enhance overall fitness".
Children were also said to develop a better understanding of nature and their surroundings from the time spent taking part in outdoor play activities, or from participating in indoor games outside.
