Benefits of Outdoor Play For Preteen

Due to the myriad of benefits of Children’s outdoor play and time, there is increasing concern over its decline. Specifically there has been a rapid decrease in ‘playtime’ in the preteen years. The preteen years are generally considered to be from 9 – 12 years of age.

While the benefits of play in younger children is generally understood, there seems to be a push in the preteen years away from ‘play’ and towards structured physical activity, combined with a push towards greater screen use.

Unstructured physical activity in this age group still has benefits beyond physical health. In America it is estimated that children in this age group are spending just 7 minutes a day in outdoor unstructured activities.

Outdoor Playspace Design by Botanical Traditions

• It builds confidence - There are infinite ways that children of this age group can interact with outdoor environments, from the backyard to the park, to the local walking hiking trail. Children of this age can begin to plan how they spend their time outdoors. This teaches them that they can control their own actions and provides a safe opportunity to do this before reaching the teenage years. Circular, meandering paths within senior Primary School yards, or High Schools allow significant walking to be done within even a short break. It also allows for walking classes to be undertaken or walking in smaller groups with teachers while discussing troubles. While ovals allow for this, circular paths around and within the school provide the added interest of been able to see what other people are doing and provide a more varied experience.

• It promotes creativity and imagination - Children of this age may begin to participate in more structured types of play. They may create their own games or design their own activities and approach the world in inventive ways. Interesting areas with seating or other features helps to engage children of this age back into the natural environment.

• It teaches responsibility - Children of this age can easily be given responsibility for areas within the school grounds. There is evidence that elements of nature within classrooms – such as terrariums, fish tanks and plantariums offer great benefits. In addition, it teaches children to take responsibility for their own health – going outside without appropriate clothes, water or suncream is all a learning opportunity on the importance of planning and taking responsibility for your own care.

• It provides different stimulation - The richness of the human experience is exciting and an appreciation of this should ideally be cultivated before the teenage years are reached. However, like most things, if children do not have experience of interacting with nature as young people, they will find it hard to do as adults. This may be the only time children experience working in a garden, or growing things to eat.

• It gets kids moving - Most ways of interacting with nature involve more exercise to the physical body as well as brain than sitting on the couch or looking at a device. Not all children like playing competitive sports. Providing longer walking pathways which are circular throughout a school is a wonderful way to get kids walking and talking.

• It makes them think – Nature changes and seasonal planting creates a unique sense of wonder for both older children and adults. Using scent within a garden causes children to investigate what has created the fragrance. The landscape can also be designed to encourage birds and insects or provide the calming sound of water.

• It reduces stress and fatigue - According to the Attention Restoration Theory, urban environments, many indoor environments, and screen use require what is called ‘Directed Attention’ which forces us to ignore distractions and exhausts our brains. In natural environments, we practice an effortless type of attention known as ‘Soft Fascination’ that creates feelings of pleasure, not fatigue. This can refresh us and enable Students to concentrate for longer periods of time.