Outdoor Learning in the Early Years

Now in its third edition, Outdoor Learning in the Early Years is the complete guide to creating effective outdoor environments for young children's learning. Comprehensively revised and updated throughout, this book covers every aspect of working outdoors in the early years and fully explains the importance of outdoor play to children's development. Key topics covered include: How to manage and set up the outdoor area What children gain from being outside How to allow children to take managed risks Making sense of work and play How outdoor provision helps children become self regulatory Providing for both boys and girls in the outdoor environment Research supporting the outdoor approach A book for practitioners at every level of their career; each chapter includes discussions and questions for continuing development that can easily be incorporated into INSET as well as training within further or higher education. Outdoor Learning in the Early Years contains a multitude of ideas and activities for working outdoors in the early years and provides a framework within which professionals can analyse and develop their outdoor provision and environment.This book is essential reading for all EYFS and Key Stage 1 practitioners, and for trainee teachers, their tutors and mentors.

“Praise for previous edition: 'Helen Bilton's much needed and excellent book has filled a gap in the literature about outdoor play. I would recommend it as essential reading for all who work with children in the early years or make decisions about the appropriateness of settings.'”

- Early Education 'Helen Bilton's enthusiasm for her subject is evident throughout this book and it is obvious that not only is she a source of inspiration for present and future practitioners in this field, but much of her book is based on solid practical experience' - E-scape 'This book is "a must read book" for any practitioners in early years education.' -Customer Review on Amazon 'This third edition of Outdoor Learning in the Early Years reaffirms the fundamental tenets that outdoor learning needs to be well-organised and managed in line with what we know about the best practices of teaching and learning; but it also extends our understanding of what best practice actually consists of ... [This book] provides such a wealth of ideas that no-one could resist going outside and examining the children's outdoor area with a critical eye! I recommend this book to all engaged in working and living with young children -- parents, carers and teachers.' - Gifted Education International

Helen Bilton is the Director of the PGCE Primary and Early Years Programme at the University of Reading where she lectures in Early Years Education.

This book offers a complete guide to outdoor play, provision and learning in the Early Years and beyond. It aims to explain why we should bother with outdoor play, what children learn from working outside, how to set up and manage the space and what to provide. It discusses the role of the adult in ensuring the outdoors is a successful space.It is written for all those who have an interest in making sure outdoors is an effective teaching and learning environment- for those working in Early Years settings, for those running or taking relevant initial teacher education and professional development courses as well as those pursuing vocational courses or status. It includes photographs and case studies throughout and in each chapter offers discussion topics, questions and activities to further aid understanding.

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