We are all children enrolled together in the school of life.

Sam Cartwright-Hatton, professor of clinical child psychology at the University of Sussex, noted that

“All the research indicates that children’s emotional health is suffering in the lockdown and it seems likely that this suffering will, in many cases, continue into the long term. We are urging ministers and policymakers to ensure that children are afforded substantial, and if possible enhanced, access to high-quality play opportunities as soon as possible.”

Restricting a child’s ability to play and move leads to decreased attention, trouble regulating emotions, and increases chance in developing sensory issues in addition to difficulty learning.

Many are repeating a similar mantra, “less is more” and “nature has been our saving grace” during this quarantine.

Time, space and outdoor play are essential to children’s health. In fact, they’ll need this more than ever before.

“Children will need enhanced access to high-quality play opportunities when they return.”

This means healthy social interaction, authentic play and a sense of security. We all need a safe refuge away from the fears of the world when weary.

Angela Hanscom explains what the consequences can be if students are forced to sit at their desks for all or much of the day without opportunities for playing outdoors.

She is the founder of TimberNook, an award-winning developmental and nature-based program that has gained international popularity.

She is also the author of “Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children.”

Inspired by the article https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/05/11/why-kids-shouldnt-be-forced-sit-desks-all-day-when-schools-reopen/?fbclid=IwAR0V0nkoRMCJQFfXGIE4BYbXXPHk8QBqloz67Z6TaGwiLHmJaPSCipjuooE#comments-wrapper