“Active play outdoors strengthens functioning in cognitive areas such as perception, attention, creative problem solving, and complex thinking. Through active play and physical exploration, children gain increasing levels of independence, learn to persevere and practice self-control, and develop a sense of physical, emotional, and intellectual mastery and competence” (How Does Learning Happen, 2014, p 29-30).”
This month at RisingOaks Early Early | Saint John Paul II, the preschool children have been fully embracing the festive spirit and winter vibes. They have engaged in a variety of Christmas and winter activities, both indoors and outdoors. During outdoor play, the preschoolers explored the snow by pulling toboggans, sliding down hills, and shoveling snow onto sleds. Skylar excitedly shared that she was going to the North Pole to see Santa Claus while pulling her toboggan. Cam also enjoyed the toboggan, walking around the playground and taking turns with his friends, either riding on it or pulling it. After some time, he took his toboggan behind a tree, hopped on, and lay down. When I asked him why he was lying there, he explained that it was his bed and it was time to sleep. A few minutes later, he got up and began pulling his toboggan again, excitedly announcing that he was going to school. Many of his peers joined in the imaginative play, pretending to sleep in their toboggans or go to school, just like in our daily routine.
They also enjoyed spraying coloured water from bottles onto the snow, watching it change into different colours. In addition to these activities, the children had fun climbing up and sliding down the largest stump in the playground. Some preschoolers worked hard to climb the slippery stump, excitedly sliding down on their tummies or bottoms after receiving a little help. Others proudly announced their success in climbing the stump all by themselves. Aria and Harun took turns climbing up and sliding down, with Aria helping Harun by pushing him up when he struggled on the slippery surface. Suddenly, I noticed a heartwarming scene: a long line of children forming behind the last child, patiently waiting for their turn to slide down the stump.
It was wonderful to observe how the children built connections with one another, showing kindness and acceptance as they played together. The preschoolers thoroughly enjoyed our outdoor activities, spending a significant amount of time engaged in play.
