Going Outside Strengthens Children's Development and Learning

Outdoor play and exploration benefits children in many ways. Researchers have identified outcomes¹ that connect with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) domains, including:

• Increased creativity and imagination (Approaches to Learning)
• Developing a sense of wonder, which is an important motivator for lifelong learning (Approaches to Learning)
• Increased social interactions between children (Social and Emotional Development)
• Enhanced opportunities to make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate with peers, which also promote language and communication skills (Cognition, Social and Emotional Development, Language and Literacy)
• Improved awareness, reasoning, and observation skills (Cognition)
• Positive effects on children's ability to focus and pay attention (Approaches to Learning)

¹Moore and Cooper Marcus, "Healthy Planet, Healthy Children," 157–158; White, "Young Children's Relationship with Nature."

Last Updated: December 2, 2019