Tag: outdoor play

StoryWalk combines storytelling and physical activity by placing laminated pages from picture books in public places.

November 20 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

A growing number of teachers are now starting to look for ways to encourage kids to move more during class time, including taking their classes outdoors.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on Nov. 28, 2019. Do you live in a neighbourhood that has a roaming group of children that plays outside with little or no interference from adults? One where the local kids knock on your door to ask your child to come out to play? Kudos if you do. … Continued

Earlier this year, my wife and I wanted to plan an outdoor birthday party for our four-year-old. We decided to organize it at our local beach, Petrie Island, in Ottawa. We contacted Friends of Petrie Island, an organization responsible for educating the public about the importance of nature, preservation, and ecology. It also helps organize … Continued

Here are some helpful ways to keep your budget in check and still have fun with your children over the summer months.

Risky play can be an intimidating concept for parents and caregivers to try to implement with their children. How much risk is too much? How can play remain safe? Dr. Mariana Brussoni recognizes the dilemma. In fact, she’s an expert on the subject. Her research focuses on caregivers’ perceptions of risk and safety when it … Continued

Physical education (PE) and gym class are often used as synonyms. It’s an easy mistake to make because, stereotypically, many PE classes are all about playing sports in the gym. But the truth is the gymnasium is only one of the many locations used to teach physical education. Doing PE differently Sports are great and … Continued

If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or struggles with focus, you’ll be happy to hear that a simple walk in your local park might be beneficial. CBC News recently reported that a review of hundreds of studies found time spent outdoors can result in improved attention span, self-discipline, and stress reduction. “Researchers also … Continued

It’s changed my outlook as well. Children in my program get to run, laugh, and explore while developing their language and social skills. Through these experiences, they also develop their muscular strength and endurance. Outdoor programming in our pre-kindergarten classrooms At Edmonton Catholic Schools, physical literacy and outdoor programming are a priority for our 100 … Continued

On a summer afternoon, you might find four-year-olds digging in the mud with sticks while six-year-olds toss stones into a creek and eight-year-olds climb trees or build a fort. Welcome to the Into the Wild nature camp at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta., where unstructured, child-led, risky play is the name of the … Continued

We live in a world overflowing with technology. Cars talk to us, phones entertain us, houses are “smart,” and wristwatches monitor our vitals. Are we living in Brave New World or 1984? Whichever we imagine, one thing is certain: our attachment to technology strains our connection with nature. Staying connected to the natural world is … Continued

“Back when we were kids…” Do you ever catch yourself telling stories to children about how play used to be? The freedom and friendships of the outdoors, and playing all day until the lights came on, were staples of childhood. It seems like forever since that kind of free play lived in neighbourhoods, and according … Continued

Let kids play outside every day

It’s summer! If you’re looking for the perfect ingredients for backyard fun, add a pinch of friends and family, a dash of laughter, a smidge of silly, a dab of imagination, and a sprinkle of… sprinklers.

10 international games for kids to play

The long days and warm nights of summer make playing outside a breeze, and there are so many ways families can have fun outdoors together. But playing in the summer sun doesn’t come without risks. It’s important for kids to have fun while: Sun safety is for everyone, and teaching your child to be “sun … Continued

Use loose parts to unleash your child’s creativity

Lots of active free play helps kids thrive

More are recognizing the benefits of risky play

Fall means fewer daylight hours, but it doesn’t have to mean less outdoor play! These games and activities are fun to play in the dark.

This video will motivate you to go outdoors

This isn’t just any winter bucket list—it incorporates fundamental movement skills to help your child with their physical development!

8 tips on how to let your kids take more risks