Learning outside the classroom is a key part of early years and primary practice and is on the rise in settings across the world. This book centres on outstanding outdoor practice and how children can learn and develop in natural environments. Focussing on children aged from 2-11 this book contains: A self-evaluation toolkit for educators to reflect on what they're doing now and where to develop to be more effective. Examples of practice from around the world and in various environments, including urban settings. An entire chapter on assessment and planning to help ensure and demonstrate quality of provision. Looking at all the possibilities and approaches, there are models for practice to suit every setting so that everyone can make outdoor learning part of the core teaching and learning objectives. Claire Warden is an educational consultant with an international reputation for pioneering work in education and a focus on children's connection to the natural world.
Dr Claire Warden's approach to nature-based, child led pedagogies has earned her international recognition as a pioneer in educational thinking. She is a multiple award-winning author with over 15 books to her credit. She has been recognised for her original contribution in the field of education for her thesis 'The Creation and Theorisation of Nature Pedagogy' and was awarded her PhD in 2019. Her inspirational research and approach to experiential learning has developed through a variety of experiences including primary teaching, advisory work, lecturing in further education and development of the award winning Auchlone Nature Kindergarten in Scotland. She was awarded an international award of Exceptional Master Leader for her work on participatory planning through the Floorbooks Approach. Claire works with governments and associations around the world to create high quality nature-based models of education learning with nature inside, outside and beyond. Her philanthropic work includes international advisor to the Children and Nature Network, World Forum Foundation, International School Grounds Group and is the founder of Living Classrooms CIC that runs the Virtual Nature School and the International Association of Nature Pedagogy.
Introduction Chapter 1: Self-Evaluation of Practice Chapter 2: Characteristics of Outdoor Learning Chapter 3: Learning with Nature Chapter 4: Sharing Values with Parents Chapter 5: Observation, Planning and Assessment Chapter 6: Embedding Practice References
The author has a lovely writing style that demonstrates clarity, knowledge, humour and such strength of reflective practice that you cannot help but love reading this book, whether as a parent, practitioner, carer or early years educator - it is a delight. -- Martine Hovarth
