Outdoor exploration is more than just a chance for your daughter to run around, it plays a vital role in her development. For girls aged 2-11, spending time outside boosts physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Here’s why outdoor activities matter and some fun ideas you can try with your daughter this weekend.
How Does Outdoor Play Affect a Child’s Development?
Physical Development
Outdoor activities like climbing, running and balancing help girls build their motor skills and improve coordination. These physical challenges boost both strength and confidence. At Maltman’s Green, we prioritise outdoor learning and play as part of our curriculum, helping girls develop in a fun and natural way. Our outdoor space has two climbing frames, The Titan and Mini Titan, both of these offer fun, physical challenges for the girls.
Cognitive Development
Nature provides endless opportunities for discovery. Encourage your daughter to explore her surroundings, whether it’s collecting leaves, identifying different plants or building a den. All of these activities will help her develop problem-solving skills and spark creativity. At Maltman’s Green, our private woodland provides an expansive and enriching environment for outdoor learning.
Building Confidence and Resilience
Facing new outdoor challenges, like climbing a tree or navigating an obstacle course, teaches your daughter to push her limits and overcome her fears. These experiences build resilience, an essential skill that helps her face challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
The Best Outdoor Activities for Children:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items found in nature for your daughter to find, such as a pinecone, a feather or a specific flower.
- Den Building: Gather sticks, leaves, and branches, then prop them up against a tree or arrange them into a simple frame. Fill in gaps with smaller twigs and cover with leaves or grass to make it cosy and sheltered.
- Bug Safari: Equip your daughter with a magnifying glass and encourage her to look for insects and small creatures.
Outdoor exploration not only nurtures your daughter’s growth but also provides the perfect bonding experience for the whole family.
Visit us to learn more about Maltman’s Green’s unique outdoor learning opportunities. Book a tour today and explore our woodland school.
