Curriculum K: The Importance of Physical Health and Being Outdoors
Autumn has arrived: the hours of daylight are getting shorter, the weather is cooler and the days are wetter. As the weather continues to change and winter arrives some of you might question what will happen to our Physical Health curriculum and Outdoor Learning approach.
There are many studies, which have found being physically active and being outdoors can improve health. This in turn contributes to a child’s ability to learn at their best. Giving children a break from busy routines, lowering anxiety, a positive impact on mental health, stress relief and topping up on Vitamin D are all five good reasons we aim to be outside with our children as much as possible during these colder months.
Is my child more likely to be ill if they spend time outside during the winter?
Numerous research studies have found this to be a myth. You cannot catch a cold or flu from being outside and feeling cold. In fact, colds and flu are more common during the winter months because we spend more time indoors, which means we are closer to each other, allowing the viruses (germs) to spread more easily. Being outside and physically active during the winter is believed to reduce the risk of getting sick!
How can you help?
There is a great Norwegian saying, “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!”
During the cooler months, make sure your child has long bottoms and their school jumper to wear during their physical health/outdoor learning and on rainy days make sure your child has a waterproof jacket.
For more information, please see:
https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=9161c3a0-54dc-46d7-a633-e1d15a5227e2
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120305-youll-catch-a-cold-with-wet-hair
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/well/can-being-cold-make-you-sick.htm
