The Great Outdoors: Advocating for Natural Spaces for Young Children

Book info: The Great Outdoors: Advocating for Natural Spaces for Young Children (Paperback, 128 pages) – The National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2014. Language: English.

Children's outdoor play and experiences matter!

New delights and opportunities for learning await each time children venture outdoors. This updated and expanded edition of The Great Outdoors will inspire teachers to make it possible for children to spend more time outdoors, have safe environments, and be free to learn through exploration. This book:

• Reviews why outdoor play matters for children, especially when it involves nature
• Explores the historical and contemporary inspirations and foundation for nature education
• Discusses ways to keep children safe outdoors, including minimizing sun exposure and other dangers
• Highlights the importance of nature experiences for children’s spiritual development
• Explores the necessity and challenges of creating child-friendly cities and environments

Each chapter ends with action items to improve children’s access to safe, clean, and interesting places in your community and is packed with resource ideas for further exploration. The Great Outdoors will enable you take up the challenge to advocate for enticing outdoor spaces for children.

Young children have always used the outdoors for exploring, creating, inventing. We observe them in their play and wonder, what are they thinking and feeling? What will they remember from these times? Do they have enough opportunities to interact with natural materials and with other people outside? Will their outdoor experiences support their development and give them enjoyment now and in the future?

New delights and opportunities for learning await children each time they venture outdoors. There are many reasons for outdoor play; here are some I believe are the most important.