Research finds that a breath of fresh air greatly influences young children’s language development

Recent research from the University of Northampton finds that learning outdoors greatly impacts on young children’s language development and can, as a result, boost their future attainment.

At aged five, the range of vocabulary a child possesses is a significant factor which can influence their later achievements. Recent research from Tanya Richardson, Lecturer in Education in Early Years at the University of Northampton has discovered that outdoor learning improves the quality of language used by young children and can improve their speech and language development.

Tanya commented: “Many children today are leading far more enclosed lives than previous generations, as educators we must look for more creative ways to give children quality outdoor learning experiences in order to enhance children’s language.

“This research found that adjective, verb and exclamation usage was higher in a natural environment. This richness in language, over a time, will support children to develop their language skills.

“I believe that everyone working with young children, be that educators, healthcare or social care providers should be encouraged to adopt a coordinated approach and trial curriculum or support developments which include an element of appropriate time outdoors within their work. I believe this would make a significant impact on the potential outcomes for young children in the UK.”