Outdoor learning environments : spaces for exploration, discovery and risk-taking in the early years / Helen Little, Sue Elliott and Shirley Wyver.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Why do outdoor play and learning matter? -- PART I: Outdoor environments as pedagogical spaces -- 2. Risk-taking in outdoor play: Challenges and possibilities -- 3. Green outdoor environments: Settings for promoting children's health and wellbeing -- 4. Caring for the environment: Towards sustainable futures -- 5. Birds and babies: A meeting of species -- PART II: Designing and planning for outdoor learning -- 6. Planning outdoor learning environments -- 7. Application of standards and regulations to early years outdoor playspaces -- PART III: Children's voices -- 8. Strengthening children's agency in outdoor learning environments -- 9. The private play places of childhood -- 10. Creating a school playground in Papua New Guinea: A participatory approach with young children -- PART IV: Cultural perspectives -- 11. Indigenous perspectives on outdoor learning environments: On Country learning -- 12. Outdoor play in Norwegian and Australian early years settings: Differences in theory, pedagogy and practice -- PART V: The outdoors and beyond -- 13. Beyond the fence: Exploring forest preschool/school approaches in Australia -- 14. Urban environments and outdoor learning .

Published in Australia, this collection of essays by 28 collaborating authors offers a substantive treatment of what young children need from play spaces if they are to learn and grow there. Each chapter closes with questions to test comprehension and extend opportunities for reflection. (Miller Library Staff)

An early childhood undergraduate text explaining the importance of outdoor play in the early years.

Educators have a key pedagogical role to promote early year's outdoor play in natural environments. Active outdoor play that involves risk-taking has been linked to positive effects on social health and behaviour as well as promoting physical activity and motor skill development. At the same time, it has been recognised that opportunities for children to experience outdoor learning have been reduced in recent decades due to the impacts of technology, urbanisation and social change. This book brings together renowned authors with research and professional experience in a range of disciplines to provide a comprehensive guide to developing positive and engaging outdoor learning environments in the early years. Part 1 looks at pedagogy and outdoor environments and considers the value of risk-taking and developing a young child's appreciation of the natural world. Part 2 examines the key principles involved in the design and planning of such spaces including applying the relevant equipment standards and regulations. Part 3 explores how educators can develop an understanding of children's own perspectives on outdoor spaces including promoting agency and recognising the importance of private playspaces. Part 4 examines different cultural perspectives on outdoor play including Indigenous approaches, while the final part considers the range of experiences possible beyond purposefully-designed spaces including visiting nature reserves and exploring urban environments.

Dr Helen Little is Senior Lecturer and Director of Learning and Teaching at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University, Australia. Dr Sue Elliott is a Senior Lecturer in early childhood education at the University of New England, NSW. Dr Shirley Wyver is Senior Lecturer and Research Chair at the Institute of Early Childhood, Macquarie University, Australia.