Take your child outdoors to explore. Point out interesting things in the environment. Let your child wander around and play with things that capture their interest.
Providing children with varied experiences and early opportunities to engage in natural outdoor play can support their sense of belonging to the world. It also creates an important foundation that embeds a continued and lasting interest in exploring, questioning, appreciating nature, and fostering curiosity. New sights, smells, textures and sounds stimulate brain development and provide a foundation for learning by encouraging discovery and exploration. Parents can use outdoor learning as an extension of classroom learning. Research shows that outdoor learning experiences positively impact children's physical development, academic performance, peer interaction, and emotional well-being. Merewether, J. 2015. "Young Children's Perspectives of Outdoor Learning Spaces: What Matters?" Australasian Journal of Early Childhood 40 (1): 99-108. Yildirim, G., & G.O. Akamca. (2017). "The Effect of Outdoor Learning Activities on the Development of Preschool Children." South African Journal of Education 37 (2): 1-10. (Level IV)
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