Developing Creativity and Curiosity Outdoors: How to Extend Creative Learning in the Early Years

This accessible guide will inform, prompt and inspire practitioners as they develop their own creativity and seize the rich opportunities offered by outdoor environments to cultivate and encourage the creative skills of the young children in their care. Including information on Forest School, Developing Creativity and Curiosity Outdoors builds on theories of creative learning and development, and offers a wealth of ideas and activities for application in a range of outdoor settings.

From designing and building structures, to making music and exploring colour, shape and pattern, this book illustrates how engagement in and with the natural world might extend children’s creative development, encouraging them to speak, listen, move freely, play and learn. Case studies demonstrate good practice and each chapter concludes with questions, encouraging the reader to reflect on and develop their own practice. Practical ideas can be adapted for use in more urban environments, and further reading, online resources and lists of suppliers make Developing Creativity and Curiosity Outdoors an essential resource for those looking to maximise the natural curiosity of children.

This book will give early years practitioners and students the confidence and knowledge they need to embark on an exciting journey of outdoor discovery with young children.

Julie Johnson is the Forest School Manager at Peter Pan Nursery and Forest School, UK.

Ann Watts is an Early Years Consultant and previously worked as a nursery school head teacher and Early Years adviser for Surrey County Council, UK.