"Is your outdoor school stage playful enough for the children? 7"
"Outdoor School Stage, Daily Mile Tracks ( 750+ words)"
[ "Is your outdoor school stage playful enough for the children? 7 Things You Can Improve On TodayIf you're interested in finding out how to keep your kids healthy, there are several ways to go about it. You can study the numbers and read up on new research findings. You can ask experts what they think is essential. Or, you can take a cue from one group of experts directlykids themselveswho told us loud and clear exactly what they want.The bottom line? When it comes to keeping kids active, focusing on variety is critical. Kids need choices when it comes to staying activeand choice requires options. So, if your outdoor school has a play space that's anything but limitlesswatch out! It might be time for some serious camping around here1. Make it easy to get off the playground.The thing about playing on Outdoor School Stage is, it's unpredictable. There are no guaranteesexcept maybe one: Kids will find a way to make their fun. The trouble is, they can get stuck in a rut when there are only limited play options available. They get bored quickly and stop moving before they shouldThe result? A shorter duration of activity becausewell, why bother? Successful outdoor programs recruit kids' imaginations by having plenty of equipment that appeals to different interests and skillsetsFor example, you want your climbing wall to be next to your balance beam, or at least somewhere one can see the other from afar (maybe across an open field?). Playgrounds should have more than one way to get from top to bottom and everything along the way.2. Go big or go home.More doesn't mean better when it comes to equipment, but it might increase time on task. One study found that children were on playgrounds for a shorter duration if they had only a few play partners than when they played with many playmates. The reason? Kids were likely more engaged in group activities when more was going onWhen you have a small number of kids playing together, there's less chance for them to engage in imaginative gameswhich means their attention is diverted away from their environment and onto another child. This can reduce activity because socializing becomes a higher priority.3. Think outside the box.Are you noticing a trend here? The more activities, the better. When it comes to staying active for more extended periods, variety truly is the spice of life. And, this goes for all age groups too! This becomes especially important when kids are at school because they have fewer opportunities to access eclectic play spacesEven though there are fewer outdoor programs in schools than public parks or playgrounds, there's still room for improvement. Find ways to collaborate, so everyone winsespecially students! There should be an equal amount of physical activity happening inside and outand both types should encourage lots of movement across different settings.4. Keep movingeven before recess starts;One way to increase active time is to make sure your kids move long before they even set foot on the playground. Here, it's all about what happens in the classroom. Even better if movement periods can occur without disrupting instruction or learning! You may have heard of the benefits of incorporating short movement breaks throughout the day for both cognitive and physical well-being. 5. Think big picture.Outdoor time can be a big stress relieverfor both kids and teachers. That's why it's important to remember that the success of your physical environment is highly dependent on logistical factors. Outdoor programs won't work well if kids have no way to get from school to the playground or don't have proper clothing for all kinds of weather.To truly benefit from outdoor play, and ;Daily Mile Tracks students should have adequate access to facilities nearby, safe travel routes, and opportunities for getting involved in outdoor activities. It also helps when the program is a regular part of a child's day. If kids frequently participate in recess, then there's a greater chance they'll choose active options over passive ones.6. Don't just stand thereFor educators, it's important to remember that while adults are engaging in the play environment, they're still role models. If teachers want kids to engage in active play, they have to get on board too! In addition, it seems obvious, but it bears repeating: Adults should avoid placing themselves in the middle of a group of childrenThis creates a barrier between kids and their peers, reducing social opportunities. It may even disrupt a child's activities if she plays near an adult who isn't participatingInstead of standing or sitting with a small group of students, encourage teachers to walk around and observe from afar. See whether these tips help boost kids' active time outdoors!" ]