Need to build a case for why outdoor play is important for children’s overall development?
There has been LOTS of research in this department by universities around the world.
Every year another bunch of Masters students base their research project or case study on out the benefits of outdoor play. If you have access to a university database you can probably find a pile of them.
I realize that many of these research papers are old. Hopefully this can serve as a message to your school administration to ‘get with the program’ and keep their teaching current.
Child & Nature Network
It is the mission of CNAC to provide educators with the research they need to advocate for outdoor play.
This is the US version of the same organization:
- Research Library >>
- Also their tools & resources page >>
- The Benefits of Learning Outdoors 2012 – Child & Nature Network
- Learning Outside – an infographic they created
Canadian Publications
- Biggest Risk is Keeping Kids Indoors – ParticipAction Report Card 2015
- Dirt Report 2012 – National Wildlife Federation
- Forest And Nature School in Canada – FSC June 2014
- Outdoor Play Canada – Why children need to play outdoors now more than ever 2022
- The Role of Recess in Canadian Elementary Schools 2009
- Pan Canadian Public Health Network Position Statement – lots of references at the bottom of this one
US Publications
- The Crucial Role of Recess in Schools – Case Western University 2010 also Published by the American Academy of Pediactrics in 2013
- Systematic review of the correlates of outdoor play and time among children aged 3-12 years – International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2021
UK Publications
- The Benefits of a Forest School Experience for Children in their early years – Sam Massey 2002
- Forest School: A Marvellous Opportunity to Learn – Forest Research 2006
- Quality After School Programs – 4-H UK 2010
- Handwashing Report 2014 – Health & Safety Laboratory Derbyshire UK
I also publish posts specific to how outdoor play contributes to children’s social, emotional and physical growth in key development areas on my Instagram page.
If you are interested in more information for a research project or proposal please feel free to contact me.
I have a vast collection of reference material for you to peruse.