It’s said that ‘play is children's work’ and, for toddler play, is one of the most important jobs they do...
The recent government directive and huge injection of cash for providing more outdoor spaces for children and even President Obama’s inaugural speech highlighting the importance of “raising our children to step away from the video games and spend more time playing outside”, indicate the level of importance all politicians are now placing on outdoor facilities for young children.
It’s said that ‘play is children's work’ and, for toddlers, playing is one of the most important jobs they do – well recognised across the world as a crucial learning and development tool. In fact, research has shown that outdoor play areas for toddlers can:
- Help develop large and fine motor skills
- Improve fitness levels, muscle tone and balance
- Develop social skills
- Provide a place for exploring and discovering nature
- And stimulate all the senses with different sights, sounds, smells and touch/feel opportunities.
However, despite the benefits, in the last few decades the opportunities for outdoor play for toddlers have been greatly reduced. Where once they might have played in the street, increased traffic has made this a dangerous proposition, and there are also fewer houses with gardens and backyards.
Added to this are parental fears that children are no longer safe outdoors. According to a recent UK survey 91% adults recognised the importance of outdoor activities but 60% said they were concerned about the safety of their children when playing in public places.
So, today, it’s not just about providing places for toddlers to play outdoors but creating safe and stimulating facilities – whether its themed shelters, toadstool seats, Postman Pat vans, talking flowers or sandboxes – in a non-threatening environment.
It might seem like child's play, but toddlers are hard at work learning life skills – and, research has shown, if they are active now they’re more likely to be active adults too.
