Young children are naturally drawn to the outdoors. Outdoor play is an important aspect of children’s learning, development and wellbeing and there are many benefits for this type of experience.

Playing outdoors provides children with the opportunity to explore and connect with their environment. Whilst doing so, they are developing their muscle strength and coordination and gaining self-confidence. Active play outdoors also increases flexibility, fine and gross motor skills, balance and coordination.

Children have a great need for physical exercise and activity. It is important they have opportunities to use their muscles to run, swing, climb, jump and ride a bike. They use their whole body when they are engaged in outdoor activity. There are also opportunities for risk-taking and trying new experiences which supports the children to develop a sense of their own boundaries. As Roald Dahl once said, “the more risks you allow children to take, the better they learn to take care of themselves.”

It is valuable for children’s physical and emotional wellbeing that they have time out in the fresh air and sunshine. This offers them a sense of freedom to exert their energy and leads to them feeling happier and calmer. Being outside means that children naturally get Vitamin D, which is proven to improve moods and create a positive attitude.

Outdoor play provides a great opportunity for children to develop their creativity and imagination. The children’s imaginations are stimulated by the natural elements and objects around them. They invent interesting ways for using the objects they have collected from the garden and incorporate these into their play.

Children gain a wonderful sense of space from being in the outdoors. It is less crowded and less over-whelming in comparison to the indoor learning environment, and therefore we often find that children are more relaxed and more open to social interaction and small group play. This provides the children with the opportunity to fine-tune their skills in turn-taking, negotiation and collaboration.

At St Catherine’s ELC, we value the importance of outdoor play and incorporate this into our daily experiences. The children have regular opportunities to engage with our nature-inspired outdoor play-scape where they can run, climb, imagine, interact, and create using their whole bodies and their senses.

“The best classroom and the richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky.” Margaret McMillan

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ELC Online Learning Celebrations

Excitement is building as the children prepare to share their video presentations with their families as a reflection and celebration of their learning in the ELC this year. These online events will be held on the following dates:

A Microsoft Teams link will be sent to families so that you can access your child’s live online learning celebration.

End of Term

Please note that the term concludes for ELC children on Friday 4 December at 12.00pm.

School Holiday Program at St Catherine’s

Parents are reminded that bookings close today for the December and January School Holiday Program. Please contact ‘After The Bell’ for bookings.

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After The Bell

Out of School Hours Care is provided by After the Bell and is available from 7.00am until the commencement of the ELC program at 8.45am. This service is also available in the afternoons from 3.00pm until 6.00pm. The Out of School Hours Care Program operates within the ELC building. Find Out More