Outdoor Play Everyday: Innovative Play Concepts For Early Childhood

Outdoor Play Everyday: Innovative Play Concepts for Early Childhood

Outdoor Play, Everyday: Innovative Play Concepts for Early Childhoodpresents information not readily available to early childhood teachers. While safety of children is placed first and most, the text goes far beyond the playground as a means of providing outdoor experiences. Outdoor play is viewed in a wholistic manner and thus a broad range of opportunities for learning and play are covered. Specific assessment techniques for analyzing children's growth in an outdoor environment are introduced in detail with relevant examples, with attention given specifically to primary grade children. Children of varying ages are distinctly different in their cognitive thinking and physical abilities, as plans for their outdoor play should be made accordingly. Outdoor play is as important at home and in the community as it is in school settings, yet often there is a lack of safe places and appropriate supervision. These important issues are also addressed, as well as issues such as gender, socio-economic background, and ability in relation to outdoor play. As an important aspect of childhood, ideas for making outdoor play accessible are also well-presented.