With so many technological devices, TV, and streaming programs competing for kids’ attention, it’s no wonder more children than ever are staying indoors most of the day. This not only deprives them of Vitamin D, but can also result in lethargy and irritability. Even if you’re busy at work most of the day, there are ways to encourage your children to prefer playing outside. If you make the outdoors fun for them instead of leading them to think it’s a chore, you’ll foster a love for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.
Choose the Right Preschool
When searching for a daycare in Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding areas, look to Bartram Academy. We incorporate the outdoors into as many activities as possible in our eco-friendly, student-driven curriculum. We believe that combining educational and creative activities with outdoor play helps make learning second nature. This allows children to be free to move outside the confines of the traditional classroom.
Play as a Family
As often as possible, get outdoors with your children and play games. Play sports or encourage the children to play a game like tag, hide and seek, or red light/green light. You can even subtly nudge a more reluctant child to spend time outside by reading them a story or bringing a board game outside to play on a picnic table or blanket. As long as they’re outside, they’ll be enjoying the benefits of fresh air.
Dine Outside
As often as possible, enjoy a picnic together as a family at the park, or even just in the backyard. Your children will begin to associate the outdoors with good food and laughter. Plus, if any of you make a mess, it’s far less of a hassle to clean up outside. Don’t limit yourself to “cookout” food, either. Cook a healthy meal indoors and simply serve it on a picnic table. Use reusable dinnerware, not paper plates, to encourage your children to think in eco-friendly terms.
Children enrolled at Bartram Academy get plenty of outdoor activity time every day. We pride ourselves on our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which involves encouraging children to find a spark of creativity and innovation within themselves. We provide the enriching environment for children to flourish.
