The Outdoor Learning Area

The outdoor learning area is a shared space used by all age groups.

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The area has a range of activities that allow children to play freely to explore the materials in any way they choose.

The space has both man-made and natural environments that support children's learning.

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Playing outdoors gives your child opportunities to learn as they explore, experiment, create and express themselves.

Children learn in social settings, particularly through play-based learning, by engaging in various planned and unplanned experiences.

When children play outdoors their agency, problem solving, curiosity and creativity grow.

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Benefits of outdoor play

Outdoor play has many benefits. When children play together, they create social groups, test out ideas, challenge each other’s thinking and build new understandings.

• Physical activity – your child might be more physically active in the extra free space available, particularly if you don’t have much access to outdoor space at home

• Appreciation of nature – many parents notice their child is more interested in nature after playing outdoors (for example watching seasons change or spotting an insect on a leaf)

• Social skills – you might see more children playing together, and notice your child collaborating and negotiating with others

• Respect and equity – you may see less gender-stereotyped play

• Curiosity – playing outdoors grows your child’s curiosity, which is an important foundation for learning

• Problem-solving – playing, experimenting and exploring outdoors helps your child develop problem solving skills

• Active learning – children are actively learning when they are exploring and experimenting outdoors

• Creativity – exploring plants, trees, edible gardens, and using sand, rocks, mud and water in the natural environment develops your child’s creativity.

 

Why is risk-taking important?

Risk-taking helps your child learn.

Playing outdoors gives your child learning opportunities, including the opportunity to assess and managing risk and build their understanding of safety. Exploring potential risks in the environment, under the supervision of adults in safely controlled spaces, provides opportunities for children to:

• further build their physical capabilities, such as climbing trees, jumping, balancing and sliding

• accept and embrace challenges

• experience feelings of success, pride and exhilaration

• practice and improve their movement skills and spatial awareness.

 

Reference: How outdoor play supports your child’s learning | StartingBlocks.gov.au (2024)