Nature is the world’s biggest playground
The large expanse of natural environments makes it ideal for children to run around freely. The uneven terrains set as challenges for children to navigate and explore. It should be no surprise that children who engage in more playtime in natural environments have higher levels of physical activity recorded.
They also exhibit greater motor skills development of dexterity as they forage for sticks, agility as they navigate through uneven terrain, and balance as they walk on tree logs. The level of physical activity that nature play demands can show improvements in children’s physical wellbeing.
Of course, sometimes there may be a few cuts and bruises from playing, but these are learning opportunities for children to learn from their mistakes and bounce right back up to continue playing.
“Nature is imperfectly perfect, filled with loose parts and possibilities, with mud and dust, nettles and sky, transcendent hands-on moments and skinned knees.”
– Richard Louv
Spending just 30 minutes of recess break in green spaces can reduce the chances of childhood obesity. Developing the habit of engaging in physical activity every day for at least half an hour can help children foster a healthy lifestyle to prevent the risk of obesity and other chronic health problems later in life.