The project aimed to reduce screen addiction among students by fostering real-life connections, enhancing their communication, and strengthening their bond with nature. Key objectives included promoting outdoor play, encouraging real-world interactions, and reinforcing the well-being benefits of nature-based activities. Specific objectives of the project were to: • Inspiring curiosity and creativity through outdoor exploration and play. • Promoting hands-on, experiential learning in nature-related subjects. • Encouraging genuine, face-to-face interactions. • Reducing screen time through engaging outdoor activities. • Cultivating environmental awareness and sustainability. • Supporting international collaboration and cultural exchange via Erasmus+. • Enhancing intercultural understanding, tolerance, and respect. Aligned with the Development of Key Competences framework, the project sought to enrich children's real-life skills and increase physical activity. Beyond benefiting students, it fostered collaboration among teachers across Europe, encouraging the exchange of best practices. By integrating nature-based, cross-curricular strategies, we aimed to enhance learning while deepening children’s appreciation for the natural world.
Our primary motivation for preparing and applying for the Play Outside project was the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to reconnect with nature. The pandemic drastically changed our lifestyles, confining people to their homes. Children were particularly affected, spending nearly two years disconnected from outdoor life. Lockdowns forced them into excessive screen time, replacing real-world experiences with digital interactions. Experts warn that this shift contributes to Nature-Deficit Disorder, negatively affecting physical and mental well-being. Studies highlight links to sensory decline, attention issues, obesity, and weakened environmental awareness. Healthcare professionals also associate it with an epidemic of inactivity and the loss of independent play. Recognizing these concerns, we carefully designed project activities to align with the developmental needs of children aged 6–11, aiming to reintroduce them to outdoor play, encourage real-world interactions, and strengthen their connection with nature, benefiting children's physical and mental health. The project also fosters responsibility, environmental awarenessas, cross-curricular outdoor education and international collaboration.