A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Anna-Marie Bothe

Principal

Nature Play SA identifies several types of outdoor play that are beneficial for children's development. These include:·        

• Physical Play: Activities like running, jumping, climbing, and playing sports that improve physical health and motor skills.      
• Creative Play: Using natural materials to create art or build structures, fostering creativity and imagination.        
• Exploratory Play: Investigating nature, such as looking for insects or collecting leaves, which enhances curiosity and learning.        
• Social Play: Playing with others in outdoor settings, which helps develop social skills and teamwork.        
• Risky Play: Engaging in activities that involve a degree of risk, like balancing on logs or climbing to heights, to build resilience and confidence.

Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors can lead to numerous benefits for their overall development. We thank God for our beautiful school grounds and rural surroundings.

What a wildly wonderful world, God!

You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.

Psalm 104:24-30

(The Message Bible)

Outdoor Play: Fun and Learning Combined!

At St Paul’s, we believe in the power of outdoor play to boost our students' development and well-being. Our staff have been learning about the benefits of different types of outdoor play as we review what our school grounds offer our students and start to explore new possibilities. In the next few weeks, our staff and students will vote on elements of new playgrounds as we work towards a design for our new school playground!

According to research from Nature Play SA, playing outside helps children explore, discover, and challenge themselves in a natural environment. This not only enhances their physical health but also supports their cognitive and social skills. By engaging in activities like climbing, running, and imaginative play, children learn to navigate risks and build resilience!