Nature Based Play
“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not just the wider world but themselves” – Stephen Moss
Current research shows that nature base play is beneficial to children in many ways. Playing outdoors is important for developing capacities for creativity, symbolic play, problem solving and intellectual development.
Natural play is a vital aspect of our play environment at Morley Early Learning Centre.
The benefits of Natural play include
• Nature base play helps children to develop fine motor skills and express their thoughts and ideas as they manipulate and explore them.
• Wooden and natural resources encourage creativity and imagination in young children.
• Sensory stimulation derived from interacting with natural environments allows children to learn with all of their senses. These senses include seeing, hearing, touching and smelling.
• Nature play also improves children’s complex thinking skills, social skills and creativity.
• Children develop good immune systems and physical fitness, falling less sick (We all appreciate that)
These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment, develop environmental awareness and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education. Combined with collaboration with peers, educators and families, this environment can support and sustain interest and curiosity in our world and their role in it.
