As the days stretch on into the warm, light evenings and long nature walks and pottering in the garden picking flowers fill our children’s days, we have put together our top reasons for spending as much time as possible outside this summer!
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1. Nature is magic
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The open green spaces, running water, colours, sounds and scents of our countryside and gardens sooth our children’s minds and bodies. The more time spent in contact with the outdoors the better their health, the lower their stress levels, the higher their mood, the stronger their immune systems, the healthier their development and the greater their creativity. It has been scientifically proven that children who spend time outside also sleep better.
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Add bees, bugs, dirt and worms into the mix and the outdoors is a perfect recipe for happier children!
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Here at Back to the Garden, outdoor spaces and sensory play are large parts of our curriculum. Being outdoors allows our children access to large resources and more creative (albeit messy) activities such as playing with sand, mud, bricks and even our Bug Hotel!
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2. Nature is a refuge
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At a time when our children are under a lot of stress, nature, plants and the outdoors help fill their overactive minds by providing a way of getting out of their own heads and distracting them from pain and worry. Children (and adults) find trees, water and open skies naturally soothing and pleasing.
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Being outside in nature also absorbs children’s attention, teaching them to focus on details and how to be in the moment, which helps with their learning, reading and concentration levels.
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So, organise a nature walk with pictures of bugs and wild flowers, throw poohsticks into a local stream and dance with them in the rain. Fill their minds with little joys only being outside can create!
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Our outdoor Tepee space at our natural nursery in Broadheath, is used to help our children de-stress, quiet the mind and undertake activities such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and music.
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3. Nature lights us up
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Nature lights up the love and empathy parts of our brains, leading to greater kindness, understanding, and feelings of connection with other people and the environment.
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Add the fact that nurturing plants helps children to learn to take care of themselves, other people, and the world around them shows that nature can truly light up their worlds…and their futures!
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We incorporate our Potting Shed into our curriculum at our day nursery in Altrincham, as well as the importance of nature and the seasons. Our Potting Shed allows our children to get involved in sowing, planting and harvesting, teaching them the seasonal cycles and the role nature plays in our everyday lives.
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Are you looking for childcare in Altrincham? Our natural day nursery is currently open for new registrations and is available for babies, toddlers, and pre-school children. We have a an official open day taking place Saturday 21st August for new registrants.nGet in touch with us today to find out more about our day nursery in Broadheath.
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