Orchard, Gina M2017-04-282017-04-2820172017-04-28http://hdl.handle.net/1828/8011Today’s children do not spend enough time outdoors, even though it is acknowledged that spending time outdoors is beneficial. Forest Kindergartens create an opportunity for children to play and learn in the natural outdoors, yet there is limited space in these outdoor classes, and it is only for one school year. The goal of this paper is to draw from current research and literature to examine the relationships that children develop with the outdoors, as well as the social and emotional benefits that nature provides children. I investigate how all early childhood educators can use time outdoors to support children’s development through play and learning, including child-led learning, and opportunities for physical challenges. Finally, I recommend that nature playgrounds should be built on school grounds to provide all children with the positive experiences that nature can offer.enAvailable to the World Wide Webearly childhood educationoutdoor learningoutdoor playsocial developmentemotional developmentproject