Thinking OUTSIDE of the Box Thursdays: What are the benefits of outdoor play for children?

 Let’s all share the benefits of playing outdoors. Do you notice children playing or behaving differently outdoors compared to indoors? What do they gain from outdoor play experiences?

I have noticed that children tend to show great curiosity, patience, and creativity while playing outdoors. I believe that being outdoors can be calming and provide them a chance to move and relax their bodies. I have often observed children spending long periods of time focused on one type of exploration. For example, one winter morning with a group of toddlers, we spent most of our outdoor time trying to determine what kind of animal made the tracks we found in the yard and coming up with ideas about where they might live, what they eat, and so on.