Preview - MM2

Garden at the MSU Child Development Laboratory.

Time spent outdoors is extremely valuable for both teachers and children at the Michigan State University Child Development Laboratory.

Assistant Director Dr. Lillian McFarlin said children should play outdoors because nature provides the opportunity for children to experience open ended play frames.

"When you go outside there are 50 different ways you can dig a hole," McFarlin said.

Head Teacher Sally Mowers said a child's ability to take risks outdoors can promote learning in academics.

"They're willing to try more things both physically and academically because a risk is something that's required when a child learns
to read and write," Mowers said.