Claire's Library

Nurture through Nature explores the connection that very young children have to nature, and will take you through the natural elements that underpin a human desire to connect and be 'in nature.' This book will motivate and support you to consider the potential of an outdoor area for children under three and how you can respond to their motivations to create a magical natural environment full of awe and wonder.

Each chapter celebrates a natural element such as mud. Practical ideas are detailed for taking children under three outside to play.

This book is a celebration of excellent practice in Scotland. It defines the factors that seem to create exciting and dynamic play areas that are used all year round, through a framework of opportunities based on a high level of child consultation. These features were included in a set of national Vision & Values for outdoor learning. Subjects include indoor and outdoor links in curriculum, creation of policy and staff and child motivation.

Each chapter examines an aspect of good practice and identifies key statements to consider as a framework for outdoor play. The book identifies aspects that can be used for self evaluation by practitioners, to help centres create policies and practice that follows national vision for outdoor play.