Shells, Stones & Sparkling Sand

Here at Nurture@Home we are passionate about providing children with outdoor experiences.

OUDOOR EXPERIENCES- WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

Learning outside supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom and movement, and promoting a sense of well-being. Outdoor experiences gives children contact with the natural world. It offers them experiences that are unique to the outdoors, also supporting children’s problem-solving skills and nurturing their creativity. An outdoor environment provides rich opportunities for tamariki to develop their imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness.

Learning outside gives children an environment that can provide them with space, both upwards and outwards, and places to explore, experiment, discover, be active and healthy, and to develop their physical capabilities. Very young children learn predominantly through their sensory and physical experiences which supports brain development and the creation of neural networks.

During our visits to our local beach the tamariki wriggle their toes in sand as soft as silk, find crunchy leaves & baby crabs, and watch the planes fly overhead. We investigate what is hiding beneath the sand, logs and amongst the sticks. We run, we laugh and we draw in the sand. We watch our footprints come and go, and find seafoam to blow. These are just a few of the outdoor experiences our children encounter.

Anyone who takes children outside regularly sees the enjoyment, and sense of wonder and excitement that is generated when children actively engage with their environment.