Diminishing of Outdoor Play in Early Years - Education

The 16th century proverb “All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy” rightly holds good even in 21st century. Goes on to prove ‘play’ had been recognized since then to be the only most powerful, essential and crucial component of growth and development for children. Given an opportunity to us, the child in each one of us prefer outdoor play but we as parents, educators, stakeholders working with children prioritize indoor play to outdoor play due to many factors; such as unsafe neighborhood, unfavorable pathways, extreme climatic conditions and academic pressure.

Engaging children in various forms of play compiled in scripted formats, redesigned toys, digital interactive screen games and adult-directed passive play in a well-structured safe indoors is the new norm. To safeguard from danger and to educate children amidst these digital interactions in early years, we are pushing away gradually the precious outdoor playtime which contributes to develop confident children. 

The lack of outdoor playtime in the early years has given rise to obesity and health-related issues, less face to face social-interactions, anxiety, depression, problems of attention and self-control among young children. The more children are engaged in outdoor play time, they become more receptive towards academic learning after wards. The active outdoor free play develops gross motor skills, the much needed social-emotional skills; the ability to share, to negotiate, to collaborate, to empathize, and achieve sense of joy.

As learning community stakeholders, we are committed to provide opportunities for outdoor playtime because it contributes for learning entertaining and challenging experiences to young children. In addition, as suggested by Dr. Peter Gray supervised, non intervene outdoor play gymnasiums in the preschools, schools and neighborhood will give children their much needed outdoor play time.

Sutha Ramessh

Center Director  Podar Jumbo Kids ,BanaswadiBangalore