These days, it can seem like kids spend more time looking at screens than they do playing outside. Yes, they may be playing educational games on those screens, but this does not diminish the fact that they are not getting fresh air and exercise! Did you know that kids who play outside are happier, more attention, and less anxious than kids who spend more of their time indoors? Here are just a few reasons why nature is good for your child’s mind:

Confidence

Indoor play typically requires structure and rules: no throwing balls in the house, put your toys back where you found them, etc. Interacting with the outdoor environment permits infinite ways to play. Take your child to the park or the local walking trail if the backyard starts to get old. Building strength and feeling free in nature will build your child’s confidence.

Creativity

An unstructured style of play allows kids to let their imaginations run wild. They can think freely and come up with new activities that don’t require a screen! Spending time outdoors will require them to be creative and try new things.

Responsibility

Teach your kids how to care for a plant as a way to teach them responsibility. Entrusting this responsibility in them will teach them a new skill, and they will also learn what happens if they forget to water it.

Stimulation

Although nature may pale in comparison to a video game when it comes to stimulation, it actually activates more senses. Your child can see, hear, smell, and touch nature!

Exercise

Playing outside typically involves walking and/or running, so your child is bound to get their blood pumping outdoors. They are not restricted by tables, walls, etc., so they are free to run around and get some of that extra energy out. Exercise is not only good for kids’ bodies, but it also seems to make them more focused.

Your child deserves their downtime, but remember to set aside time for outdoor play in your schedule. You may be surprised at how it benefits your child!

Walton Academy

Walton Academy is a private school located in Greenville, North Carolina. We are always striving to provide a consistent, nurturing and innovative environment for our students. We understand that early childhood education plays a large role in your child’s development, so we ensure they receive a high quality education. With small classrooms and highly qualified teachers, you can be sure your child will receive individualized instruction, character education, and social-emotional habits.

Walton Academy firmly believes that an environment with minimal distractions is key to student success.  To achieve an optimal learning environment and experience, we require each child to undergo our enrollment screening process.  During our enrollment screening process, students are observed and assessed academically, behaviorally, and socially. Our enrollment screening ensures that our classroom environment remains focused and that each student can excel and reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn more!