Focusing on the empirical evidence base for pedagogical decisions taken when children are playing and learning outside, this groundbreaking book examines the intention and purpose for childrens outdoor playful activity and the associated issues of pedagogy.
Focusing on the empirical evidence base for pedagogical decisions taken when children are playing and learning outside, this groundbreaking book examines the intention and purpose of childrens outdoor playful activity and the associated issues of pedagogy. Chapters address questions about the role of the adult in childrens learning outside in a manner that is inclusive in nature, by recognising the varied contexts in which childrens playful activity outside takes place. Reflecting multiple cultural contexts, chapters consider social and physical aspects to ensure value systems are visible and critically considered. The book acknowledges the continuum of childrens outdoor experience from highly structured activity to free play outside. It also examines the existing evidence base about childrens outdoor play, including a consideration of how adults construct and respond to childrens playful activity outside to realise the associated benefits. With reference throughout to many international contexts, this book reminds us of the shaping force of cultural practices and beliefs about childrens playful activity outside and will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate audiences studying early childhood education.
1. Editors introductory chapter Part 1: Values ways of being
2.
Looking back, looking forward: themes and trends in research into outdoor
play and learning
3. The power of play: sustainability as a value and how it
is embedded in childrens outdoor play and local identity
4. Decisive role of
teachers and parents concerning outdoor activities Part 2: Power ways of
doing
5. Flourishing in the forest: The role of the adult in supporting
autonomy in nature-based settings
6. Outdoor play opportunities in UK
contexts and the impact of pedagogic action: using the empowerment framework
to re-orientate outdoor play and learning provision towards childrens
empowerment.
7. "No teachers allowed": outdoor play and teachers role -
results from a Greek study Part 3: Transformation ways of knowing
8.
"Spiders, birds or olive trees?": an emergent curriculum in the outdoor
spaces in israeli preschools and teacher education enhances childrens
meaningful learning
9. Meeting preschool curriculum guidelines through
outdoor experiences in a public park
10. Community spaces for outdoor play,
learning and citizenship
11. Editors conclusion chapter
Mehmet Mart is Associate Professor at Necmettin Erbakan University in Türkiye and a research fellow at the University of Plymouth, UK.
Georgia Gessiou is an Education Consultant who specializes in outdoor play and learning.
Jane Waters-Davies is Associate Professor and Applied Research Lead in Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK.