As the thermostat dips, it’s easy to contemplate hibernation and forego any outdoor play. Within early childhood education, however, outdoor time is extremely important–no matter the season. It supports development in a way that indoor play simply cannot match. Throwing aside the old wives’ tale that the cold will make you sick, with the right clothing and smart supervision, cold weather play can be one of the happiest and healthiest parts of the day for both children and adults!
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of getting outside in the crisp cool air, as well as some tips to help beat the cold.
We make a point to get outside daily when weather permits here at Bright Ideas. Call today to schedule a tour and check out our engaging outdoor play areas and playgrounds.
1) Big-Body Movement Builds Strong, Healthy Kids
Winter naturally invites “whole-body play” like stomping through crunchy grass, walking through the snow, moving around to warm up, climbing, balancing, tossing snowballs, or even sledding. Like a workout for a child, this kind of outdoor play helps strengthen muscles and develop coordination and balance. The CDC agrees that being physically active will support a child’s physical growth and development, and what better way than to challenge their bodies with the outdoors as their gym?
We aren’t scared of the heat or the cold here at Bright Ideas! When weather permits, we take play outside! Call us today to ask about our daily schedule’s room-to-room and how we make outdoor play a priority for every age group.
2) Outdoor Time Supports Focus, Mood, and Better Sleep
In the midst of the busyness of winter, outdoor play can be a much-needed outlet for pent up energy. The fresh air, natural light, and room to run can act as a ‘reset’ for young children–whether at home or attending daycare or preschool. The NAEYC highlights that time outside is linked to cognitive, social, and emotional gains for young children and can even support better sleep. Better sleep will help lead to better attitudes and a brain more ready to learn.
Here at Bright Ideas, we are ready to partner with your family to provide a solid foundation in early childhood education for your little one. Call us today to ask about our teaching philosophies and to schedule a tour to see our classrooms and meet our teachers.
3) Nature & Bright Light for Healthy Eyes
While the days are shorter and the sun seems to wane in its strength in the colder months, the available sunshine makes a huge difference in overall health, including with healthy eye development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), research shows that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness), because bright outdoor light helps support normal eye growth during early childhood, which is a critical period for visual development.
Call today to schedule a tour with us here at Bright Ideas to see learning take place firsthand!
4) Winter Outdoor Play Grows Resilience and Confidence
Outdoor play encourages safe risk-taking such as climbing, balancing, navigating uneven ground, and even problem solving, such as: “How do we make a path?” “What happens if we pack the snow?” or “How do I get up the snowy hill?” The AAP emphasizes the “power of play” in building children’s brains and bodies—through experimenting, testing boundaries, and learning in real time. Learning is simply empowering, and outdoor play stretches children in a way that indoor play simply cannot.
Here at Bright Ideas, we know that learning extends far past worksheets and flashcards. Join us today to start your child’s early childhood education off on the right foot!
5) Safe Winter Outdoor Play
From home to childcare or to preschool or daycare, stepping outside–no matter the season–requires that you are prepared for the elements. Many times, winter is a struggle only because you or your child are simply not wearing the correct winter gear. Set yourself and your child up for success by acquiring and wearing appropriate winter clothing–and it goes further than simply donning a hat and coat. Here are some tips for keeping warm and safe when the temperature takes a dip:
- Wear Warm layers (base layer + insulating layer + waterproof outer layer)
- Hats, mittens, and dry socks. Planning snow play? invest in waterproof gloves.
- Shorter bursts outside on extra-cold days, with warm-up breaks
- Active games that keep bodies moving
We are happy to make sure your child is properly layered before heading out for some outdoor play. Let our teachers here at Bright Ideas know what you want your child to wear while venturing out and we will be sure to bundle them up.
The benefits of outdoor play are numerous, and they do not end with a specific season. So, gear up, head out, and take their early childhood education outside for some good, fun cold-weather-play!