The space is outdoors. The experience is personal and the journey can be solitary or take place in groups. Informal or formal the places visited are sites of learning. Locked in memory our experiences in the outdoors are a constant source of wonderment and food to replenish our sense of wellbeing. Our experiences in the outdoors can endure in the abstract as ideas for developing a sense of a well lived life. They can also draw us back to places and reenergise the body. Physical and emotional wellbeing collides in the unexpected events that flourish in the outdoors. Our readiness for enjoyment and personal development are subjective states which this book challenges. Traversing the landscape of the outdoors the collection of chapters contained range from the theoretical to the practical including strategies for teaching and learning that are transdisciplinary. With ideas for practitioners as well as thoughtful reading for readers of diverse ages and interests this book includes contributions from Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and Canada.
The benefits of being outdoors in a leisure context are widely acknowledged across a range of disciplinary perspectives (including tourism, therapeutics, education and recreation). These benefits include the development of: health and wellbeing; social skills; leadership and facilitation skills; personal, emotional and reflective abilities; confidence and identity creation. Drawing on a variety of perspectives, geographies and approaches, this book explores the opportunities that leisure in the outdoors provides for learning, developing and challenging. The authors in this collection challenge dominant discourses of outdoor leisure through their selection of outdoor activities, theoretical approaches and modes of representation. All offer fresh insights and thinking into how leisure in the outdoors can be understood. The book covers a range of outdoor conceptualisations that challenge the reader to think deeply and broadly about the common threads which bind the broad field of outdoor leisure together. The experiences explored in this book range from suburban outdoors to wild places, surfing to mindful reflection, and trail walking to Nordic skiing, and encompass a broad spectrum of people.
Playing and Learning Outdoors shows early years practitioners how to get the very best from outdoor playing and learning for the enjoyment, health and education of all children from ages three to five years. Fully updated to reflect the current status and understandings regarding outdoor provision within early childhood education frameworks, this new edition will allow practitioners to develop rich and stimulating outdoor play provision in Early Years settings and enable them to feel confident to offer wonderful play experiences outdoors. Playing and Learning Outdoors offers practitioners achievable advice and support, based on approaches which are appropriate and effective for young children’s all-round well-being and development. This invaluable resource also includes practical advice on: movement and physical play playing with sand, natural materials and water plants, living things and growing construction, creative and imaginative play. This second edition also includes a brand new chapter on ‘Providing experiences beyond the garden walls’ which will urge practitioners to harness the huge potential contained in the locality (physical world) and local community (human world) around the early years setting’s own boundaries. Filled with advice and support, this lively, inspiring and accessible book will help practitioners to develop a truly practical and enjoyable approach to learning through play outdoors for all children aged from 3 to 7.
Children's outdoor play and experiences matter! New delights and opportunities for learning await each time children venture outdoors. This updated and expanded edition of The Great Outdoors will inspire teachers to make it possible for children to spend more time outdoors, have safe environments, and be free to learn through exploration. This book - Reviews why outdoor play matters for children, especially when it involves nature - Explores the historical and contemporary inspirations and foundation for nature education - Discusses ways to keep children safe outdoors, including minimizing sun exposure and other dangers - Highlights the importance of nature experiences for children's spiritual development - Explores the necessity and challenges of creating child-friendly cities and environments Each chapter ends with action items to improve children's access to safe, clean, and interesting places in your community and is packed with resource ideas for further exploration. The Great Outdoors will enable you take up the challenge to advocate for enticing outdoor spaces for children.
Outdoor play is a significant and essential aspect of a young child's development and enjoys a renewed emphasis in early years practice, in keeping with the core principles embedded within the early years tradition. However, this emphasis may sit uneasily alongside a requirement to focus on the development of literacy and numeracy skills and supporting outdoor play can raise a number of thorny issues such as freedom, safety and risk. This book challenges the reader to consider: Why outdoor play is seen to be of significance within early childhood Whether this view is justified (what are the benefits of outdoor play?) The implications for practitioners who may be facing conflicting pressures in their work with young children In particular, the writers skilfully blend theory, research and practical guidance to address three important issues: What constitutes 'good' outdoor provision for young children and babies? How do we respect and respond to the young child in outdoor provision? How do we support risky play within the bounds of a statutory curriculum or regulatory regime? Incorporating chapters from internationally renowned authors working in this field, this book is recommended both for practitioners involved in early years education and care and for students at foundation, degree and post-graduate levels. "This is a thought provoking book that draws on research to encourage the reader to reflect on the essence of outdoor play in early childhood. Recognising that within our society assumptions are made about outdoors and about childhood, this book challenges the reader to reflect on outdoor provision from a number of perspectives. The outdoor environment matters to young children. This book not only makes the case for outdoor play, it considers what that actually looks like in the UK and internationally, and asks us to reflect on the implications for our own working practices. Maynard and Waters set out to provoke critical reflection and inspire practitioners; they have certainly achieved their aim and this book is a welcome addition to the debate about outdoors in the early years." Gail Ryder Richardson, Early Years Consultant and Trainer, Outdoor Matters! Contributors: Valerie Huggins, Sara Knight, Helen Little, Trisha Maynard, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter, Alison Stephenson, Helen Tovey, Sue Waite, Jane Waters, Jan White, Karen Wickett, Helen Woolley and Shirley Wyver.
Exploring Outdoors Ages 3-11 is an essential guide on how to encourage children’s learning and support their development through year-round outdoor exploration. It follows one primary school through an entire academic year, capturing the challenges, discoveries and joys of children and adults co-exploring outdoors together. This unique book covers all aspects of outdoor practice from setting up and maintaining an outdoor site to the boundaries, support and effective communication that will help to create a safe and happy environment. It traces each term of the year and focuses on the importance of role play and imaginative learning, planning activities for all weather conditions and how the National Curriculum can be applied to outdoor exploring. Features include: Step-by-step guides on how to set up an outdoor site Advice on how to observe and record children’s learning and development outdoors Real-life case studies of children exploring outdoors from EYFS through to the end of Key Stage 2 Over 100 full photographs to illustrate how outdoor exploring can encourage children’s learning and development Practical tips and ideas for outdoor activities throughout the year An eResource with useful checklists, templates and pro-forma available to download Exploring Outdoors Ages 3-11 is essential reading for all those passionate about working outside who want to build confidence and develop their ability to co-explore with children.
Playing and Learning Outdoors shows early years practitioners how to get the very best from outdoor playing and learning for the enjoyment, health and education of all children from ages three to five years. Fully updated to reflect the current status and understandings regarding outdoor provision within early childhood education frameworks, this new edition will allow practitioners to develop rich and stimulating outdoor play provision in Early Years settings and enable them to feel confident to offer wonderful play experiences outdoors. Playing and Learning Outdoors offers practitioners achievable advice and support, based on approaches which are appropriate and effective for young children’s all-round well-being and development. This invaluable resource also includes practical advice on: movement and physical play playing with sand, natural materials and water plants, living things and growing construction, creative and imaginative play. This second edition also includes a brand new chapter on ‘Providing experiences beyond the garden walls’ which will urge practitioners to harness the huge potential contained in the locality (physical world) and local community (human world) around the early years setting’s own boundaries. Filled with advice and support, this lively, inspiring and accessible book will help practitioners to develop a truly practical and enjoyable approach to learning through play outdoors for all children aged from 3 to 7.
From the author of the New York Times bestseller that defined nature-deficit disorder and launched the international children-and-nature movement, Vitamin N (for “nature”) is a complete prescription for connecting with the power and joy of the natural world right now, with 500 activities for children and adults Dozens of inspiring and thought-provoking essays Scores of informational websites Down-to-earth advice In his landmark work Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv was the first to bring widespread attention to the alienation of children from the natural world, coining the term nature-deficit disorder and outlining the benefits of a strong nature connection--from boosting mental acuity and creativity to reducing obesity and depression, from promoting health and wellness to simply having fun. That book “rivaled Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring” (the Cincinnati Enquirer), was “an absolute must-read for parents” (the Boston Globe), and “an inch-thick caution against raising the fully automated child” (the New York Times). His follow-up book, The Nature Principle, addressed the needs of adults and outlined a “new nature movement and its potential to improve the lives of all people no matter where they live” (McClatchy Newspapers).Vitamin N is a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive, and practical guidebook for the whole family and the wider community, including tips not only for parents eager to share nature with their kids but also for those seeking nature-smart schools, medical professionals, and even careers. It is a dose of pure inspiration, reminding us that looking up at the stars or taking a walk in the woods is as exhilarating as it is essential, at any age.
This is a follow up to 'Learning and Playing Indoors' and provides useful and detailed advice on setting up, developing and maintaining outdoor environments for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in day nurseries and children's centres but also in nursery, reception and year 1 classes. It features guidance on which spaces to develop and what to include in these spaces. It is fully in line with the requirements of the revised EYFS framework and helps to ensure improved outcomes for children in both the prime and specific areas of learning and development. Packed full of full colour photographs it will provide both down to earth advice and inspiration.
Discover Fitness in Every Forecast: Embrace the Seasons with Each Step Imagine a fitness journey that doesn't just transform your body, but also aligns with the heartbeat of the earth. "Nature's Gym: Conquer Every Season and Every Weather" is your essential guide to creating a symbiotic relationship with the elements, inviting you to find your strength in the diversity of weather and the beauty of every season. From the fresh blossoms of spring to the stark beauty of winter, this groundbreaking book unveils how the unpredictability of nature can be your most reliable training partner. Reinvigorate your routines with the warmth of summer sun or the crisp chill of autumn air. Each page is saturated with expert advice on how to harness the elements, whether you're dancing with the rains or challenging the formidable wind. Spring into Action with a burst of energy as you set intentions against a backdrop of renewal. Summer's Fiery Energy will teach you how to maximise your workouts under the sun's watchful gaze, while Autumn's Transition adjusts your routine as the leaves descend. Then, wrap up warmly for Winter's Wonderland; learn the art of resilience when the frost bites. But it's not just the seasonal transformations that shape your journey. Rain or Shine, you'll be equipped to maintain your fitness with rainproof routines and gear. When the Wind's Dynamic Resistance whips up a challenge, you'll harness its potential for a unique workout experience. Tailor your fitness with Personalising Your Nature's Gym Routine, and keep your motivation soaring through weather changes with a kaleidoscope of nature's own playlists. And for the adventurer in you, explore the secrets of nighttime workouts and the uncharted paths of remote landscapes. With success stories to inspire and eco-friendly practices to respect our planet, this book is a treasure trove for the outdoor fitness enthusiast. Expand your fitness horizons and step outside the confines of the gym; let the sky be your ceiling and the ground your new state-of-the-art flooring. Embrace every drop of rain and every ray of sunshine as you unlock an exhilarating, year-round fitness adventure with "Nature's Gym: Conquer Every Season and Every Weather."
