Outdoor Play Flashcards
Forest Schools
Originated from Scandinavia in the 1950’s. Was first adopted in the UK in the 1990’s at Waterbridge College
Bilton (2010)
Benefits of outdoor learning:
- Sunshine and fresh air
- Freedom- flexible and open ended- allows children to be imaginative, autonomous and explore their interests
- Exercise
- Sensory rich- especially beneficial for children with additional needs. Improves mood, more engaging environment, expresses curiosity (Hill, 2010) –> linked to Piaget’s sensorimotor developmental stage in which children discovering relationships between their bodies and the environment.
- Risk & challenge
- Cognitive enhancement- Constructionivist learning theory: Understanding and meaning are constructed through experience (Imel)
Adults role
- inspiration for ‘awe & wonder’ from which ecological identity is formed (Chawla)
- Models ethical practice (child perspective-orientated approach- Sommer)
- Participation observer
- Key socialiser
Children’s declining contact with nature
Ecological generational amnesia (Kahn, 2002): with each generation the belief of what is pristine nature is progressively degrading, but each generation accepts this degraded level of the normal experience
Ecological literacy (Pyle, 2001): outdoor experience creates an ecologically literate public. Deprivation of outdoor experience negatively impacts social, emotional, and biological development. Research suggests interacting with nature enhances cognitive skills such as memory and attention (Tennessen & Cimprich; Berman et al) and therefore overall cognitive understanding (kellert)
Hartig et al, 2002
Proposes that public health strategies should include a natural environment component
Bristol government introduced a Temporary Street Play Order (TSPO) in… which allows streets in Bristol in temporarily close their streets to allow children to play (known as ‘Playing Out’) (Bristol.gov.uk)
