The therapeutic nature of outdoor play
Jenny Smillie emphasises the therapeutic benefits of nature for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A lot of the time the children who will benefit most from being in nature don't get enough opportunities to experience this due to the challenges involved, from keeping children safe outdoors to practicalities such as weather. Jenny and Angelica discuss mental health, Forest School practice, unhurried time, forest bathing, children's therapeutic needs being met and much more.
Episode breakdown:
- 05:00 - Applying SEND practice to outdoor learning
- 07:18 - It's not bad weather it's bad clothing!
- 09:24 - Experiencing the joy of the outdoors
- 10:40 - The uniqueness of the outdoors
- 12:00 - Unhurried time: Slowing down practice outdoors
- 16:45 - Regular access to natural spaces
- 19:05 - Recommended physical activity guidelines
- 24:20 - Physical development within day to day routines
- 29:05 - Being outside is a multi-sensory experience
- 33:26 - Forest bathing: The benefits for mental health
- 36:50 - The freedom of the outdoors
- 38:40 - Rest and relaxation outdoors
Hear and read more on The Voice of Early Childhood website: www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com