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TOPIC 9 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 
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ACTIVITY 9.2
1. Visit a playground outside:
(a) Identify the variety of experiences that are available for two, four and six-year-old children, and
(b) Identify the risk of children who might get injured.
2. Browse one of the websites in which early childhood outdoor equipment are advertised. Evaluate several equipment in the advertisement according to the criteria discussed in this chapter. What conclusion can you draw about selecting developmentally appropriate outdoor equipment for children aged between two and six years?
• Playing outside is vital for a young childÊs development. Being outdoors has a positive impact on young children and empowers them to do their best. Outdoor activities empower children to use their imagination to understand the world around them. They try new things and experience their own accomplishments.
• Outdoor activity is important for young children not only physically, but also for cognitive, social, emotional, health and language development. It promotes their self-confidence and sense of freedom to appreciate the outdoors.
• When playing outside children learn new skills. They learn how to solve problems and express themselves about the world in their own way. The environment outside makes them feel safe and in control which should lead to autonomy, decision-making and organisational skills.
• Physical aspects of outdoor environment for children should facilitate learning and provide meaningful experiences. The outdoor physical environment should be more than a space where children can exercise their body muscles. It is possible to provide or create challenges and a wide range of experiences for children.
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