During my time working in Norway, I conducted research on the importance of outdoor play for young children. Norway has a strong tradition of embracing the outdoors, and this is reflected in the way children are raised and educated.
One of the main findings of my research was that outdoor play provides numerous benefits for young children. Firstly, it allows them to develop a sense of exploration and curiosity as they discover new things in nature. Secondly, it promotes physical activity and helps children develop gross motor skills. Finally, spending time in nature has been linked to improved mental health outcomes for children.
I also found that Norway's early childhood education system places a strong emphasis on play-based learning, similar to New Zealand. Children are encouraged to engage in self-directed play and exploration, which has been shown to improve cognitive and social-emotional development.
Overall, my experience in Norway highlighted the importance of outdoor play and play-based learning in early childhood education. It also showed me the benefits of incorporating nature into the learning environment, and how this can positively impact children's development.
Yours, Tessa Parker
Child psychologist, New Zealand
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