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.
Having worked with Learning and Teaching Scotland, we are now able to publish this book that looks at the issues that surround quality Outdoor Play and Learning.
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.
Case studies and photographs are given throughout to motivate and inspire.
"Whatever your expertise in Early Years outdoor practice, this book will help you. For those who find excuses that block progress in developing a good learning environment that links with indoors, this book will demolish the negative attitudes. It is full of ideas to motivate and to allow the practitioner's own imagination to take flight - I was particularly keen on the section where we were encouraged to be a dung beetle! But high-quality outdoor play does not come without rigorous planning and skilled adult interactions with children. This book argues strongly for practitioners to put in place all the conditions that will make outdoor learning enjoyable and exciting for children and adults alike.
The title alone will ensure that the book will make a big splash with everyone who reads it!"
-Marjorie Ouvry, Consultant in Early Years Education.
