The Benefits of Risky Outdoor Play
We believe that nature is our playground and is filled with so much opportunity for learning and growth. At Purpose Preschool, we have designed our nature-based Montessori programming to embrace our beautiful, natural outdoor classroom right here in South Edmonton.
Embracing Risky Play
We embrace the power of outdoor play and the importance of risky play for children's holistic development. Risky play builds confidence, independence and teaches children to problem solve and assess risk in a safe, controlled environment.
Montessori and Outdoor Play
A connection with nature and our environment is an integral part of our Montessori Preschool curriculum. Our outdoor classroom is open year-round, providing opportunities for children to play, explore and connect with nature in every season.
Why is outdoor play important?
Studies have shown that outdoor play has proven benefits for children's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Children’s activity levels are higher when they play outdoors. They move more freely, embrace curiosity, and develop a strong foundation of physical literacy.
Key Benefits of Outdoor Play:
Physical Development: The outdoors offers a space for children to run, jump, climb, and explore. They encounter natural challenges and develop motor skills, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and overall physical health.
Emotional Resilience: Risk-taking is a vital part of childhood development. It helps children face and conquer fears, build self-confidence, and develop emotional resilience. In our outdoor classroom, we embrace the concept of risky play. This doesn't mean unnecessary danger but rather age-appropriate challenges that encourage children to push their boundaries, assess situations and make safe choices.
Social Interaction: Outdoor play naturally encourages social interaction. Children learn to share, negotiate, and cooperate with their peers while engaging in imaginative play scenarios. Our outdoor preschool classroom provides various spaces for group activities, from building forts to playing cooperative games, fostering strong social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Cognitive Growth: Being outside stimulates a child's natural curiosity and creativity. Nature presents endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, from observing bugs and birds to investigating plants and rocks. These experiences engage the senses and help develop a child's critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love for learning.
At Purpose Preschool we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment right here in Edmonton where children can thrive physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
Join us in embracing the wonders of the great outdoors and watch your child blossom into a confident, resilient, and curious learner.
We invite you to read more about our programming, schedule a meet and greet and reach out to us with any questions you may have about Purpose Preschool.
Spots still available for our 2023 opening later this fall!