The Outdoor Classroom Ages 3-7

The Outdoor Classroom Ages 3-7: Using Ideas From Forest Schools to Enrich Learning

The outdoor area is now an integral part of many early years’ settings and schools, but is it being used to its full potential? – This book clearly explains the learning potential of the outdoor environment and practically demonstrates how the ‘Outdoor Classroom’ can be developed in early years’ settings and schools. Drawing on the Forest School approach, it aims to inspire practitioners to think creatively about their outside area and how they can provide rich play opportunities for children that will further their learning regardless of any time, space or financial restraints.

Emphasizing the importance of continuity for young children, The Outdoor Classroom Ages 3–7 practically demonstrates how early years settings and schools can maximize the learning potential of the outdoor environment. Fully updated to take into account the revised EYFS and Key Stage 1 curricula and including new case studies throughout, this second edition encourages teachers and practitioners to examine and reflect on their use of the outside area to ensure they provide rich play opportunities for children that will further their learning regardless of time, space or financial restraints.

Drawing on the Forest School approach, this handy text considers the practical implications for settings using the outdoor classroom and covers:

• the characteristics of effective learning outdoors
• guidance on timetabling and planning
• advice on the logistics and health and safety involved
• tips for navigating parental and staff opposition
• closely linked theory and practice to assessment
• the social and emotional aspects of learning.

Full of resources, lesson plans and activities to support rich learning opportunities, this book will inspire you to think creatively about the outside area and use its full potential to bring the outdoors alive with interest, exploration and challenge.

About the Author

Karen Constable is an early years leader and Forest School coordinator at St John and St Francis Church School in Somerset.

Sandy Green worked within the early years sector for over 35 years, initially as a nursery nurse in both education and social services settings and later as a lecturer in further education. She is now an educational consultant and has written extensively on early years education.