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Topic Outdoor Topic
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Learning Environment
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the importance of outdoor life for young children;
2. Identify the benefits of outdoor activities for young children;
3. Plan outdoor areas that are developmentally appropriate; and
4. Maintain the outdoor areas so that they are free of hazards.
 INTRODUCTION
The outdoor environment is full of wonder for children. However, many parents are cautious about allowing young children to play outdoors as the sun and rain can be discomforting. They are worried their children may be exposed to plants and animals that are poisonous or harmful. Most parents prefer their children to play indoors. However, it is in the outdoors that children can fully and freely experience motor skills activities such as running, climbing and jumping. It is the most appropriate area for children to practise physical skills such as ball handling, like throwing, catching and striking. Children can also perform other manipulative skills in the outdoors, like pushing a swing, pulling a wagon, lifting and carrying objects. Research has shown that playing outdoors has a very positive impact on young children. Being outdoors not only helps children to grow in all areas of development, it also provides children freedom to explore using their senses far more than they can do indoors. Thus in this topic, we will learn about the importance of the outdoors in childrenÂs development and
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