Outdoor playtime is an essential part of the day for primary school students, providing them with numerous benefits that cannot be replicated indoors! These days, especially in England it can be tricky to gauge whether pupils should remain indoors (especially when its wet) or get them out playing.
Outdoor playtime promotes physical fitness - running around, climbing, and playing games all help to improve children's cardiovascular health and strengthen their muscles - particularly important for primary school students who are still growing and developing. Regular outdoor playtime can also help to reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems that can arise from a sedentary lifestyle.
Being outdoors also helps to improve children’s mental health. Having outdoor playtime has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, with children who spend time outdoors tending to have better moods and being able to focus and concentrate more! Primary school students, who are still learning how to manage their emotions and cope with the stresses of school life, are likely to find a lot of support from being outside.
As well, outdoor playtime helps to develop student’s social skills; it has been noticed that children who play together outdoors are more likely to form strong friendships and learn how to work together as a team - especially important for primary school students who are still learning how to navigate the complexities of social interactions.
Lastly, outdoor playtime helps to develop creativity. Children who spend time outdoors are more likely to explore, experiment, and come up with new ideas, potentially leading to increased creativity and problem-solving skills, which are both essential for primary school students as they grow and learn.
Outdoor playtime is an essential part of a primary school student's education. Not only does it help to improve their physical and mental health, but it also helps to develop their social skills and creativity. So next time your child is stuck inside, encourage them to get outside and play! It's not only fun but also beneficial for their overall development!
GET THEM OUT!
To learn how to ZONE your playground, head to schoolhealthuk.co.uk/training
