ECD SHORT COURSE 6:
The Value of Outdoor Environments for Holistic Development In The Early Years
Unleash the Adventure: Embrace the Power of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play holds incredible potential for children to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and imaginatively. These vital skills are the building blocks that enable children to not only comprehend but also relish the world around them. And the best part? Practical experience is the key to unlocking and developing these essential skills.
Through engaging and immersive experiences, children learn to navigate social interactions, forging meaningful connections with their peers. Outdoor play provides a platform for them to develop emotional intelligence, fostering resilience, empathy and self-expression. These invaluable skills lay the foundation for healthy relationships and emotional well-being.
Cognitively, outdoor play stimulates curiosity and critical thinking. Children engage in hands-on exploration, problem-solving and decision-making, igniting their natural sense of wonder and encouraging a lifelong love of learning. The freedom and open-ended nature of outdoor environments enhance cognitive flexibility, creativity and imaginative play, cultivating agile minds ready to embrace the complexities of the world.
Practical experience in outdoor settings holds transformative power for brain development. By engaging their senses, children forge neural connections, enhancing their cognitive abilities and overall brain functioning. Outdoor play nurtures the growth of young minds, enabling them to absorb knowledge and experiences in a holistic and dynamic manner.
Understand the profound impact of outdoor play on a child’s holistic development. Enrol in this course and be empowered with the knowledge and strategies to harness the benefits of outdoor play, allowing the children in your care to thrive and flourish.
This course includes:
- 8 downloadable resources
- SACE Accredited Certificate of Completion
Time investment to complete course: 11 hours 25 minutes
Accreditation:
SACE accredited: Service Provider Number: PR 00000980
SACE Points: 10
What you’ll learn
This course will leave you with a comprehensive understanding of:
- The knowledge and skills to leverage outdoor spaces to optimise child development during the early years and the Foundation phase.
- Strategies to create engaging and enriching outdoor play environments that inspire curiosity, ignite creativity and promote holistic growth.
- The National Movement guidelines so that you can include safe inclusion of play in your ECD programme.