From indoor to outdoor play: how forest kindergarten impacts social and emotional development of young children in Lebanon

Abstract

It has been shown that outdoor play is an important tool for fostering kids' social and emotional growth. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationship that exists between children's outdoor play and social-emotional development. Also, it examines the various ways that outdoor play might support the growth of emotional and social skills including self-control, communication, and empathy. The effect of the environment on social and emotional growth while engaging in outdoor play is also examined. The procedure includes a review of the literature on numerous studies that have studied the connection between outdoor play and young children's social and emotional development. The results imply that outdoor play gives kids the chance to express themselves during play, which helps in developing their self-regulation abilities. Children may engage with their friends when playing outside, which helps them develop their social and communication skills. Children's empathy and compassion also have a higher chance of growing in the natural setting of outdoor play. Moreover, the value of outdoor play in supporting children's emotional and social development is one of this paper’s main findings. The results highlight the necessity for parents and educators to prioritize outdoor play and give children the opportunity to have a part in it.