Outdoor rest time... It's not so strange!

As educators and parents, we have all been through our own experiences with our babies and children sleeping routines. There are many theories and practises out there that everyone says, "this has worked for me, you should be do it". At Rainbow Playhouse Preschool we have a traditional rest time to allow the children to slow their bodies for 20 minutes each day. The difference is we will adjust to the children's interests and be constantly researching new ways we can encourage children rest.

There has been a constant flow of research focused around sleep times in Early Childhood settings over many years. These appear to always be based on what is best for children without loosing their interest. Recently there has been new research based on rest time outdoors, and its benefits to children. This has been a normal practise for families in Norway and other Scandinavian countries. According to Aussie Childcare Network (2023), research is showing that having rest times outdoors, surrounded by fresh air, increases the duration of daytime sleep, yet also the quality of rest.

At Rainbow Playhouse Preschool we recently took an opportunity with perfect weather and conditions to have rest time outside. The sun was bright and the shade was in the perfect place for everyone to lay and watch the sky go by. We took the outdoors sounds as a learning opportunity to do a meditation session with the sounds on bird chirps, insects, buzzing, and the slow sound of local traffic.

It has been said by the Aussie Childcare Network the benefits of outdoor rest time don't just consist of restful sleep. With increase research we are finding that having children in an outdoor environment more than an indoor environment has more complex benefits to their education and health.

When a child is consistently in an outdoor environment they have more opportunities to increase their vitamin D in a natural way for their bodies. With natural light also comes an increase in melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone released in the body which adjusts your circadian rhythms providing a more restful and natural sleep. Adding to this being outdoors more than indoors gives opportunities for an increase in higher quality oxygen. With a higher quality oxygen comes an improve in brain and body functionality. At Rainbow Play House Preschool we have a strong belief in keeping our air quality healthy for our children. We do this by using air purifiers and monitors. These provide filter processes for the indoor air while monitoring the temperature and quality levels. This is also beneficial to our community during winter months where illness becomes prominent. A way to achieve this naturally is by increasing the outdoor times.

In addition to these points we encourage our families to provide layers of clothing for their children rather than 1 heavy jumper. Layer clothing is a more effective way to keep warm due to the air between the layers warming, acting like an insulation. extra layers can make a huge difference to children and ourselves when outside.

Having an increase in outdoor play or rest times isn't something to avoid. We recommend researching theories and ideas on outdoor rest times and finding a routine that works for you and your family.

Blair Forrest and Vanessa Hill

19th April 2023