Hello parents and caregivers! First of all, we’d like to thank you all for your support as we spend our in-service days cleaning, preparing the environment and doing professional development. In-service days are an integral part of schools as it gives teachers and staff some time without children to process and address community needs on a deeper level.
One of the topics I chose for professional development was Playing Outdoors. Frog Song Montessori is rich with outdoor opportunities and we feel so fortunate to have access to it every day. From the naturally fun playground to the property walks to the ravine hikes, we feel that the outdoor environment at Dharma Rain meets so many developmental and holistic needs of children. A beautiful quote from Maria Montessori states, “When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.” We observe this over and over again in our daily lives with children.
Of the many benefits that outdoor play offers young children (brain development, emotional regulation, communication and language skills, math skills, ability to plan), physical health is a very important one.
A few noteworthy physical benefits of outdoor play include:
–Children engage in sustained active play that strengthens muscles, lungs and hearts. Fresh air and physical activity strengthen immune systems.
–Research from Professor Christopher Lowry at University of Boulder showed that playing in dirt exposes children to a helpful type of bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae. (Article here: https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/10/09/curiosity-why-does-playing-dirt-feel-so-good) Inversely research out of Tufts Medical Centre has shown that ultraclean conditions prevent exposure to organisms that help children develop appropriate immune regulatory circuits.
–Sun exposure has many benefits, namely being the most efficient way for the body to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy nervous system, immunity system function and bone health.
As the cold weather continues in the PNW, please remember to send your child to school with layers, ideally a sweatshirt and a warm outer coat, cozy pants, wool socks, a winter hat (or coat with hood) and either mittens or a pair of socks for their hands.
Finally, in recognition of Black History month and in the spirit of being in nature, here is a link to a local organization called PDX People of Color Outdoors. They are doing wonderful things in the community. Consider donating or connecting in some way. https://sites.google.com/pdxpocoutdoors.com/home/home
Until next time,
Elizabeth