Playing outdoor and its importance in the child’s life; A psycho-social prespective

Abstract

Play is one of the integral part to human development as it contributes to every aspect of the well-being of children such as cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. The modern technology and its inventions in current societies are affecting the childhood experience. Outdoor play habits are vanishing fast and more isolated, technological gaming and digital life is disconnecting children from natural world and its learnings. The outdoor play activities is defined as an open and constantly changing environment, where it is possible to experience freedom, gross and boisterous movements, and contact with natural elements. While playing outside, children benefit from being exposed to sunlight, natural elements, and open air, which contributes to bones development, stronger immune system and physical activity (Dyment, 2008; Bilton, 2010). The technology and its advancements had persuaded every field and it had deeply penetrated the child rearing practices also. No doubt, it had bought positive impact on quality of life but also it had huge impact on children and one of the key areas is the outdoor playing habits. Abundance of research has been done around outdoor play and the positive influence it is having on early childhood learning and development. During their growth, they develop their motor skills, and focus on their peers by engage more and more in play activities that expand their knowledge of the world around them. Many researchers concluded that maximum learning outcomes happen in the environment that allows them to explore, discover and play. Many researchers supported the importance of play in child’s healthy development (Pellegrini., 2007, 1998; Ginsburg, 2007). The immense positive influence outdoor playing used to have on child, his round development is the core focus of this paper, and it will explore the researches and knowledge we are having regarding psychosocial developments and play.