A great preschool education goes beyond just learning to read, write, and do basic math. A truly great preschool provides education in three key areas: behavior, knowledge, and physical fitness. 
While behavior and knowledge are often the focus of preschool education, physical fitness is just as important. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of outdoor activities at a preschool and how they can help children become well-rounded individuals. Our campuses in Fremont, Danville, Dublin, and Pleasant Hill all encourage outdoor activities. We are blessed in the Bay Area with incredible weather and beauty; thus we use outdoor activities throughout our learning experience.
Behavioral Benefits of Preschool Outdoor Activities
Outdoor activities at a preschool can provide children with a wealth of behavioral benefits. For example, outdoor play can help children develop social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and working together. It can also help children learn to regulate their emotions, deal with frustration, and manage stress.
Physical Fitness Benefits
Outdoor activities at a preschool can also provide children with a wealth of physical fitness benefits. Children who engage in regular outdoor play are more likely to be physically active, which can help them maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer later in life. Additionally, outdoor play can help children develop gross motor skills such as running, jumping, and climbing, as well as fine motor skills such as picking up small objects.
Academic Benefits
Believe it or not, outdoor activities can also provide children with academic benefits. For example, outdoor play can help children develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. It can also help children develop language and literacy skills, as they learn to communicate with each other and with their teachers.
Creative Benefits
Finally, outdoor activities can provide children with a wealth of creative benefits. Outdoor play can help children develop their imaginations and creativity, as they explore and experiment with their environment. It can also help children develop an appreciation for nature and the environment, as they learn about the plants, animals, and ecosystems around them. Many of our East Bay parents are very concerned about the preschool education of their children, including a foundation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our programs use both physical and mental activities to encourage future success including in science and math.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outdoor activities are a vital part of any preschool education. They provide children with a wealth of behavioral, physical fitness, academic, and creative benefits, helping them become well-rounded individuals. If you are considering a preschool for your child, be sure to ask about their outdoor activity programs and how they incorporate them into their curriculum. A great preschool will provide a variety of outdoor activities that are age-appropriate, safe, and fun for all children.
