Submitted by Lyla Crake, 6th Grader at Dutch Ridge Elementary School
Do you remember your parents telling you stories of their childhood and how they played outside every day? Now think about this, how much do you play outside? Probably not as often as you should. These are three reasons why I opine that children should play outside more often. Studies show that outdoor activities promote health, induce a love of nature, and contribute to brain power, happiness, and developing relationships. These are three strong reasons why I believe that children should play outside every day.
One reason that I opine that children should play outside more often is because being outside promotes health. Our bodies need sunshine for Vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial to our bodies for bone development. Also, outdoor exercise is more beneficial to our bodies than indoor exercise. Plus, our bodies work best when we play outside.
Another reason that I opine that children should play outside more often is because being outside induces a love of nature.
Children need to learn to love and appreciate nature because children can save it. In a few years, children could be the next generation of politicians and people who could save the forest and rivers they grew up loving.
One last reason that I opine that children should play outside more often is because playing outside contributes to brain power, happiness, and relationship development. Unstructured outdoor play, such as playing tag and riding a bike, helps kids learn how to take turns and other behavioral skills. They’ll also
be more inventive and want to explore the world.
These are just three of the many reasons why children should play outside more often. Next weekend, ask your mom or dad to take you to the nearest park so you can play outside. If you can’t go to a park, just go in your backyard. Nature is everywhere.
