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With digital media and liquid modernity being co-opted into a totalizing world network, Generation Alpha has become the first generation to be brought up surrounded by a fully functioning online social sphere. They are often dubbed the iPad kids due to the beginning of the generation alpha coinciding with the launch of the first iPad. While this generation has reaped the benefits of online connectivity and its infinite potential, it has also suffered in the field of holistic development, both psychologically and physically. This has to do with how learning and pedagogy have changed with a shift to digital spheres.
The importance of outdoor education among children has become more glaring than ever. This article sheds light on the views on early childhood education in Australia and the growing need for outdoor learning for the upcoming generations.
Outdoor education is a form of learning and pedagogy that emphasizes learning through interacting with the elements of nature directly rather than simply reading about it. It is a part of experiential learning that involves physical activities, journeys and wilderness-based experiences. It is a form of environmental learning that can not only be organized but also spontaneous. Outdoor education can range from walking in a park to more rigorous activities like camping, interacting with animals, gardening, etc.
Outdoor education proceeds to improve a child’s creativity, emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills. More spontaneous experiences improve children’s ability to make rational decisions and think on their feet. Studies show that lack of interaction with nature and outdoor avenues of education can impair children’s cognitive skills and holistic development.
The importance of outdoor education on children, especially during the early years of development, has been proven not only in various studies and recommended by pediatricians but also referred to in cultural elements. Proverbs like “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” are universally integrated. They refer to the need for play to interact with one’s physical, natural environment.
Here is a list of 5 ways in which outdoor education is beneficial to children’s holistic development.
Outdoor education is collaborative and involves interacting with different people, whether instructors, teachers, classmates or teammates. Extracurricular activities as a part of outdoor learning increase the opportunity for children to interact with other students, elements of nature, and circumambient spaces. This significantly increases a child’s ability to communicate effectively. Effective communication goes hand in hand with emotional intelligence, also developed in this process.
Human beings learn to retain and recall memories in more than one way. While many traditional education techniques focus on rote learning to stimulate memory, this method has been proven less than effective. Outdoor learning techniques recognize the importance of stimulating all senses for stronger information retention. Sensory stimulation is an essential part of memory, and when all five senses are engaged through interacting with nature, children’s ability to spontaneously imagine also increases.
Outdoor and environmental learning is a great way to exercise the body. Children’s muscles and joints are exercised with physical activities like hiking, jogging, or even more casual activities like taking a stroll or building things. This builds stamina, improves posture and body coordination and teaches children practical skills that empower them to care for their bodies. Child care training courses train teachers and instructors to safely handle children’s physical activities.
Interacting with nature and the outdoor environment in a safe and controlled learning scenario can improve children’s mental health and psychological development immensely. While this is relevant for all children, it is especially effective for neurodivergent children with developmental disabilities like autism and ADHD. Learning to deal with sensory stimulation, playing with animals, and interacting with flora can help in channeling and regulating their emotions and help them focus on ego-syntonic self-development.
Children who have experienced some level of outdoor education and environmental education are more likely to be able to think on their feet during stressful situations. This is because the outdoors is full of unpredictable situations. Dealing with unexpected situations can push children outside of their comfort zones. Entering a psychological stretch zone can teach children how to devise practical solutions for problems and reduce the fear of previously unknown experiences, making them more open-minded.
Facilitating better outdoor learning requires trained instructors and teachers who are adept at the various techniques and methodologies involved. Childcare Courses Adelaide believes in practical learning through doing. Our institute has a long-standing record of excellence in practical learning, industry connections and experienced faculty members who can propel early childhood education Adelaide.
If you are someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of children through teaching, then Early Childhood Education and Care programs can take you to your next career goal.
Also Read:- 11 Tips For Creating A Safe And Supportive Learning Environment