A major part of development is play! Play helps support development across multiple domains, especially outdoor activity. It allows children to gain skills in motor development while also expanding upon cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. Unfortunately, especially in New England, the weather is not always sunny and warm. This can lead to a change in play habits, especially given the location a child is in.
Today’s article expands upon play and how location and even the seasons can impact physical activity for children. In this study conducted in New Zealand, they found how play can vary based on location (i.e. city, suburbs, and rural areas) and have other factors impact activities such as safety concerns. It is interesting to read and learn how outdoor play differs from location to location and allows you to think back to your own prior experiences as a child!
To read today’s article, click here!
Mikayla Clemens
Research assistant, UConn KIDS