LEARNING MODULE IN MAPEH 9

Quarter 4-Week 5
Name: __________________________________________ Section: ________________________________

MELCS: explains the health benefits derived from outdoor recreational activities
Learning Objectives:
 define recreation,
 analyze the characteristics of recreational activities,
 explain the health and fitness benefits derived from playing outdoor recreational activities
References: MAPEH 9 , Author: Jeff Foreene M. Santos, PE: Chapter IV, Lesson 1 pages 316-322
RECREATION
Recreation is a means of relaxation of the mind and body. Engaging in one or in different activities relieves day-to-day tension.
The use of time in a creative way helps improve the skill and the development of an individual in all phases of life.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RECREATION

1. Recreation involves an activity - the concept of activity for recreation depends on the action done mentally, physically, or emotionally.
2. Recreation has no single form - it offers a variety of choices with endless possibilities. The only factor of the individual is the
motivational desire in his/her choices and the enjoyment he/she gets.
3. Recreation is determined by motivation - the individual determines his/her activity largely by a desire, motive, or incentive. The
ultimate goal is to reach one's satisfaction and enjoyment.
4. Recreation occurs in unobligated time - although an individual may be very happy in his job, it is not possible for that individual's
work to be his/her recreation.
5. Recreation is participated voluntarily - it cannot be ordered, imposed, or forced. Recreation is provided to open the road for an
individual for self-discovery, self-expression, creativity, and self-satisfaction.
6. Recreation is universally sought and practiced - activities for recreation is extensive that they encompass the total human being
regardless of sex, race, and nationality.
7. Recreation is purposeful - anyone involved in a certain activity feels the satisfaction and pleasure.
8. Recreation is flexible - it can be organized or unorganized; it can be enjoyed in a group or alone.
9. Recreation has no by-products - the best motivation for an individual to do recreation activities is the reward after an activity which
are physical health, emotional stability, or social fitness.

Health Benefits
Time spent in outdoor recreation leads to a range of benefits, from reduced obesity rates to strengthened family ties.
According to Robert Manning, professor of recreation management at the University of Vermont, whether one prefers a leisurely stroll
along a nature trail or a strenuous hike up a steep mountain path, outdoor recreation sites provide the setting for physical and mental
growth

Physical Benefits
Regular outdoor activities provide a number of physical health benefits, including:
 lower blood pressure, reduced arthritis pain, weight loss and lowered risk of diabetes, certain cancers, osteoporosis and
cardiovascular disease.
 a healthy weight and reduced risk of chronic disease.

Social Benefits
Along with an increase in physical activity, outdoor recreation offers the chance to socialize. For instance, bird watching
incorporates several activities, including the physical movement of walking, interpreting visual and auditory input, and speaking to other
bird watchers. Social settings of outdoor spaces, especially urban parks, are associated with positive experiences. Outdoor physical
activity can also increase pride in the community, as well as offer the chance to meet people with similar interests.

Intellectual Benefits
Outdoor activities lead to:
 an increased confidence, improved creativity, and better self-esteem.
 rejuvenation and calming of the mind, improved outlook and increased positive affect when done in natural settings.
In contrast, artificial environments may cause feelings of exhaustion, irritability, inattentiveness, and impulsivity.
 helping one's focus. A 20-minute walk through natural settings can lead to improved concentration.

Emotional Benefits
Both physical activities and outdoor settings reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Spending time exercising in a park leads
to an increase in positive moods and a reduction in cortisol levels, a hormone released when the body feels stress. Similarly, increased
access to green space for activities such as walking decreases stress - especially for children.

Five Benefits of Outdoor Recreation

1. Good for the mind. Outdoor recreation has psychological benefits, including the prevention or reduction of stress; improved self-
esteem, confidence and creativity; spiritual growth; and an increased sense of exhilaration, adventure and challenge from life.
2. Good for the body. Getting outside provides physical benefits, such as aerobic, cardiovascular and muscular fitness, as well as
improved functioning of the immune system.
3. Better for one's social life. The great outdoors afford social benefits like bonding with like-minded people who enjoy outdoor activities
and feeling an increased pride in your community and nation.
4. Good for the economy. Outdoor recreation pays off with economic benefits, too: People who regularly participate in outdoor
recreation tend to be more productive at work. Outdoor recreation creates job opportunities for others, which leads to economic growth.
And the preservation of the natural areas needed for outdoor recreation increases property values.
5. Great for the great outdoors. Outdoor recreation provides environmental benefits, including increased environmental awareness and
involvement in environmental issues.

Values and Benefits of Outdoor Education, Training and Recreation

Outdoor education, training and recreation promote active learning through direct personal experience and offer excitement,
fun and adventure within a framework of safety.
Active learning and adventure outdoors can take place in a variety of environments: rural and urban, local and more remote.
Outdoor education, training and recreation involve both young people and adults in a wide range of experiences.

Methods used in outdoor education

1. Skills-focused learning
2. Problem solving
3. Team building
4. Self-reliant journeys and activities, with residential experience an especially valued feature

Challenging experience outdoors impacts powerfully upon a young person's intellectual, physical, spiritual, social and moral
development.
1. Use of the outdoors makes a major contribution to physical and environmental education and enhances many other curriculum
areas. 2. It contributes to personal growth and social awareness and develops skills for life and the world of work.
3. Qualities such as a sense of responsibility and a purpose in life are nurtured.
4. There is also a great deal of intrinsic enjoyment and satisfaction to be experienced from participation in outdoor activities.

Building self-confidence and self-esteem is fundamental to any young person's development.

Outdoor activities provide:

1. valuable alternative
2. often non-competitive avenues for achievement, as well as opportunities to develop independence and self-reliance.
3. overcoming fears and apprehensions along the way, young people make major strides in confidence, with implications for all aspects
of their development.

A positive attitude to learning is essential if young people are to make the most of their education.
Participation in exciting and enjoyable outdoor activities with teachers, youth workers, and peers reinforces:
1. positive attitude to education and contributes significantly to the general ethos of a school or youth group.
2. direct experience outdoors stimulates and reinforces learning across many areas of the curriculum.
3. use of the outdoors encourages young people to take greater responsibility for their own learning.

Awareness of the needs and contributions of others and the ability to sustain effective relationships, at work and in the family, are vital
in today's society.

Experience in the outdoors provides;

1. rich opportunities for personal and social development through carefully structured group work in challenging situations.
2. trust, care, tolerance, and the willingness to give and accept support are all encouraged and anti-social behavior is challenged.
3. opportunities are presented to exhibit and develop effective inter- personal behavior and to work cooperatively and effectively in
teams.

The purposeful use of leisure time is increasingly seen as making an important contribution to a fulfilling lifestyle.
Outdoor recreation introduces young people to:
1. range of worthwhile leisure pursuits which will enrich their future lives, and develops the skills and knowledge essential for safe
participation
2. outdoor exercise contributes greatly to health and fitness and continuing participation in outdoor pursuits encourages the
maintenance of a healthy lifestyle into middle age and beyond.

People's relationship with the environment is a key issue facing tomorrow's citizens. Active learning and adventure outdoors introduces
young people to the environment in a way which develops:
1. understanding appreciation, awe, wonder, and respect.
2. it fosters sensitivity to the environment, helps young people to see themselves in a global context, and helps to develop citizens with
an awareness of the need for sustainable use of the world's natural resources.
Tomorrow's successful citizens will possess the adaptability to cope with a rapidly changing world of work and the responsibility to be
an effective member of a community.

Challenging outdoor experiences promote:

1. the development of communication, problem solving and decision making skills which have currency across a range of occupations.
2. a positive "opting in" and "can do" attitude. Young people's horizons are broadened, new challenges come to be relished rather than
shunned, perseverance and determination are reinforced.
3. values and attitudes developed in a context of shared endeavor help to form a sound basis for responsible citizenship.
Advantages of Outdoor Activities
 Introduce living away from home and outdoor camping
 Introduce and develop camping skills
 Develop students' personal and group skills which help with interacting
 Introduce and develop social interaction among peers
 Develop a historical and geographical awareness of the world around
 Understand and appreciate the natural environment
 Form leadership skills and learn when to utilize leadership skills
 Acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary in a range of outdoor leisure activities that have minimal impact on the
environment
 Encourage active participation and enjoyment in the natural environment through outdoor adventure and education mediums.
 Develop awareness of potential hazards and risks in the outdoors
 Develop independence, self-reliance, and positive self-concept.
10 Rules for Outdoor Activities
Many people are heading outdoors to experience nature. Responsibility is expected in any outdoor activity time. The following
guidelines and rules will keep one safe and the environment protected at the same time.
1. Always remember to take care of natural things.
2. Never destroy anything. Do not peel bark or break branches off living trees, or pull up plants by their roots, or kill animals.
3. When looking for materials for nature projects, take only fallen leaves, branches or sticks lying on the ground, or dried up weeds.
4. Get to know the laws in the area for picking wild plants and flowers or for picking up rocks and shells. In many places, it is against
the law to take these things from their natural habitats. If the area permits picking such things, take just a very few and leave the rest
undisturbed.
5. Pick live flowers or grasses for drying or making arrangements. But only if it is not forbidden by law.
6. Capture carefully bugs or spiders or worms or frogs or other animal, but don't let them die. Give it its freedom back after a short
while.
7. Learn how to enjoy nature's treasures without using them up. Take pictures of things often. Identify plants and animals, watch natural
happenings, ask questions, study books about outdoor life and ecology. All these things can be done without interfering with natural
processes.
8. Never eat or taste plants or fruits found and do not touch animals unless there is an assurance that they are safe.
9. When going off exploring, tell someone about one's destination and how long to be away. Also, never go alone. Utilize the buddy
system.
10. Always clean up after doing an outdoor activity. Don't leave trash or footprints or junk scattered around. Do not go into a natural
place and rearrange it by moving rocks or logs or things around.

LEARNING TASK 1
Choosing an Outdoor Recreational Activity
Given a chance, what outdoor activity would you like to try? Why? Where? Who do you like to be with? Print a picture or cut out
a picture then post it below and write something about it.
What? Why? Where? With whom? What benefits can I get
from it? Write you description here:
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