Rain, Rain, Go Away
I have lightbulb moments when I start thinking about the children currently in my care. One little thought leads to lots of ideas and my poor, long suffering husband has to endure me excitedly droning on to him about my ideas and how exactly I plan to change the world, or at least our little corner of it. I decided that writing a blog might save my husband's ears a bit.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the effects of being outside, not just for children but for everyone. How just going for a walk can clear your head and make you feel better. How running is good for your mental health and more to the point, how being outside opens up our senses enabling our brains to allow more information in. When I was growing up at school, and it was raining we would have 'wet play', we'd sit inside colouring or playing with counting blocks and singing 'Rain, rain go away; come again another day'. We were genuinely morose about the weather and the fact that we were unable to be outside. Playing outside was regarded as a treat for working hard. Why though? Why can't we play in the rain? We had raincoats and wellies!! We were programmed from a very early age to dislike rain! We grew up cosily in our central heated houses never allowing our bodies to adjust to temperature. My childhood was spent in the park behind my house, playing in the trees when it was raining and having running races and water fights when it was dry and I loved every single second. I really believe this has gone a long way to my love of being outside and I know I'm not the only one. I have a dream of one day having an outdoor preschool, and when I say that; I mean exactly that! The affects the UV light can have on our bodies is incredible and it doesn't even have to be a bright, sunny day. Exposure to UV rays can help regulate our bodies cicardian rhythm and boost our moods. Children are naturally drawn to active play outdoors: it allows them to explore their environment, develop muscle strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence. Have we not stumbled upon a recipe for definite positive input into a child's development in the early years?? Yes, yes we have! There are schools all over the world which are predominantly outside, some without even having a building. I'm not sure I could cope with a primitive toilet situation and wouldn't expect anyone else to but picture this...... an acre of land (security gated of course!), a cabin for our plumbing needs and then wooden pergola's and decking with hand crafted tables and chairs and set spaces for each area of learning all out in the open! I think the children would sleep beautifully too!
I have to go and collect my daughter from school (where she's probably been sat in a classroom with a third of information given to her actually sticking in her brain!) but I have so much more to say when I have 5 minutes!
