Exploring the Pedagogy of Learning and Playing Outdoors: Questions of Purpose and Intention (Towards an Ethical Praxis in Early Childhood)

Focusing on the empirical evidence base for pedagogical decisions taken when children are playing and learning outside, this groundbreaking book examines the intention and purpose of children’s outdoor playful activity and the associated issues of pedagogy. Chapters address questions about the role of the adult in children’s learning outside in a manner that is inclusive in nature, by recognising the varied contexts in which children’s playful activity outside takes place. Reflecting multiple cultural contexts, chapters consider social and physical aspects to ensure value systems are visible and critically considered. The book acknowledges the continuum of children’s outdoor experience from highly structured activity to free play outside. It also examines the existing evidence base about children’s outdoor play, including a consideration of how adults construct and respond to children’s playful activity outside to realise the associated benefits. With reference throughout to many international contexts, this book reminds us of the shaping force of cultural practices and beliefs about children’s playful activity outside and will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate audiences studying early childhood education.

Mehmet Mart is Associate Professor at Necmettin Erbakan University in Türkiye and a research fellow at the University of Plymouth, UK.

Georgia Gessiou is an Education Consultant who specializes in outdoor play and learning.

Jane Waters-Davies is Associate Professor and Applied Research Lead in Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, UK.