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138  TOPIC 9 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
(c) Social
While playing outside, children learn to share and work together. The outdoors is the best place for children to socialise with others. Playing outdoors provides opportunities for children to interact and socialise in many ways. They learn how to take turns, share and cooperate with their friends. They observe each other and learn different social skills from their friends. It helps them to learn how to work in groups and how to resolve conflicts. Children who have opportunities to explore outdoors with their friends will be able to develop healthy relationships and have potential to become leaders.
(d) Emotional
Outdoor activities improve childrenÊs emotional health. When playing outside with friends, children learn how to control their emotions and understand the world in their own way. They also learn to understand othersÊ feelings while having fun. When at the playground, for instance, children learn how to respond to their peersÊ feelings while waiting for their turn and sharing material. When they feel safe and in control, they can make decisions and invent rules for game. They are likely to express their feelings freely and learn to interact positively.
(e) Health
There are clear health benefits associated with outdoor activities. In the outdoors, children are likely to burn the most calories which help to prevent obesity. Children who are not getting enough exercise face the risk of developing heart disease. While playing outside, fresh air that children breathe cleans the lungs and help to bring more oxygen to the body cells. The increased oxygen level in the body will increase the energy to learn and do things they love to do. Fresh air also improves a childÊs blood pressure and heart rate.
(f) Self-confidence
Playing outside is less structured, so it naturally gives children more opportunity for discovering things in their own way. It gives them a sense of freedom, because they have opportunities to run and play with more energy and enthusiasm. Playing outside in the playground gives them a safe space that enables them to have experiences that contribute to the development of self-confidence. When they do something like climb steps at the playground, they discover that they can do it, which adds to their sense of self-confidence and accomplishment.
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