A moving child is a learning child.
That’s the central argument Gill Connell and Cheryl McCarthy make in their book of the same name.
“From grasping your finger to grasping her rattle to grasping the mechanics of crawling, standing, walking, jumping, and those hurtling-headlong-hugs, every move a young child makes—intentional or accidental—leads to learning,” they write. “Movement develops her physical capabilities, of course. But at the same time, it is building sensory perceptions and critical pathways in the brain necessary to reach her full potential.”
So when your son or daughter gets on the wooden swing set in your backyard, they’re having fun, but they’re also learning.
There’s even evidence that moving during lessons can help kids learn more effectively. A Dutch study published in the journal Pediatrics in early 2016 found that children who engaged in physical activities during lessons tested better than their peers who sat at their desks.
“The kids learned using a range of movements including jumping, taking large and small steps, squatting and air punches as they recited answers to questions,” The Toronto Star reported. “For example, while spelling aloud the word ‘dog,’ they might jump three times — once for each letter. Or to solve 2x4, they might squat eight times while counting.”
There are also lessons to be learned just by going outside. The University of Nebraska’s Outdoor Learning project offers these suggestions for getting your kids connected to the great outdoors:
1. Camp In The Backyard
This is a classic summer activity, but one that you can carry over into the fall if you bundle up. Let your kids listen for night sounds and try to deduce what animals are active at night.
2. Have A Picnic
Your kids will enjoy a chance to eat outside. Enjoy a simple meal on your lawn or at your local park.
3. Hold A Campfire
This is a perfect activity for a crisp fall night. Roast some marshmallows – or got a step further and make s’mores – tell some stories, and gaze up at the stars.
4. Go On A Nature Hike
This doesn’t have to involve a trek into the mountains. You can just walk around your neighborhood a few times a week and have your kids try to spot new things: changing leaves, growing plants, different types of birds, etc.
5. Dig In The Dirt
Get your kids involved in your garden. Plant mums or other fall flowers in autumn, or dig out the vegetable garden to prepare for next year’s planting season.
6. Embark On A Scavenger Hunt
Make a list using words and pictures and see how many things your kids can find in your backyard. They might be surprised at how much natural diversity they discover close to home.
7. Feed The Birds
Installing a bird feeder is a great way to get your children to see a wealth of different bird varieties. You can also make your own natural feeders: cover some pine cones in peanut butter, roll them in birdseed and hang them up in your trees.
8. Visit Your Local Apple Orchard
Your kids may appreciate the apple they eat with lunch if they’ve picked it themselves.
9. Rake Some Leaves
This is a nice source of exercise with a fun payoff at the end: once you’ve collected the leaves into a big pile, let your kids jump in.
10. Make A Nature Journal
Give your kids a small booklet and have them find a quiet place to record what they hear and see in your backyard.
If you’re looking for more ways to get your kids outside and active, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help. Contact us today or visit one of our four locations to find out more about our collection of swing sets, trampolines and basketball hoops.
Installing a backyard playset – like one of our vinyl or wooden swing sets – is another great way to get your kids to be more active. It allows them to jump, climb and swing on a regular basis, getting exercise in a way that’s still fun.
