As it is in most major cities, owning a yard as an ECEC setting is a huge plus. First of all, the children can play actively in the garden. Furthermore, in the garden children are in connection with nature, which creates a nice bonus.
"Social-emotional development concerns the development of emotional life and personality, learning to interact with others and learning social skills. This should lead to social and emotional well-being. (Schmitz, 2018).
The outdoor environment offers interesting conditions for social contact with their peers. Activities that ensure mutual interaction create opportunities for building empathy and self-confidence as children are sharing their knowledge and skills to accomplish different tasks and challenges. While cooperating, children will start understand others feelings and interests and learn how to deal with them.
In Barbara's nursery there is a cherry tree in the garden. At this time of the year, it is in full bloom. The beautiful flowers of the tree not only provide a beautiful view but children can also participate in picking the cherries from the tree. It starts with playing with the wheelbarrow, to collect the cherries. One child starts and soon others notice that this can be a fun and tasty activity and they will join as well. A bag is placed on the grass, where all children have started collecting cherries together. Finally, all the children sit together and enjoy this delicious summer fruit. It is such a great activity to experience together.
The feeling of group and teamwork prevails in childcare. Social skills are built. Self-confidence grows, which results in a high level of well-being. The need for exploration and discovery emerges here. Discovering oneself and the other.
References
Schmitz, M., 2018. Bewust omgaan met sociaal-emotionele ontwikkeling. Gezonde kinderopvang.
Sociaal-emotionele ontwikkeling in het primair onderwijs (2019, uitgave van Pharos en Trimbos-instituut)
