Playing outdoors is almost everyone’s favorite past times. Whether you are searching for beautiful butterflies, digging for gold, or going on a safari adventure the outdoors is always a great experience. Playing outdoors is extremely necessary for healthy physical development.
Not only is it important for physical development, it also plays a role in building self confidence. Self confidence is gained while adventuring out in the outdoors and successfully completing a task. I was recently in the backyard trying to teach my four year old cousin how to swing on his brand new swing set. He would carefully inspect how I would pump my legs before trying it on his own. I coached him on when to pump his legs in and out. He tentatively tried to swing on his own, but continuing to watching me for guidance. After observing my technique for a period of time and trying on his own, he mastered the technique himself.
Confidence is gained through moving from first attempts, then to failures, and then having the tenacity to continue with the task until it is mastered. Confidence gained from tasks performed outdoors is not only seen in children, but also in adults. Playing outdoors allows one to conquer their fears and build confidence.
Outdoors play is also great for many other reasons. Outdoor play allows one to use creativity and develops their imagination, dexterity, and other strengths. Most of all, playing outside encourages individuals to interact with the world around them. Individuals that do not take a chance to experience the outdoors never truly appreciate the beauty of the world around them or never challenge themselves. There are so many wonderful things we can experience just in our own backyards!
The outdoors should be a part of every persons development. Nature as nourishment.
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