This module is designed to trace the historical developments which have influenced the use of outdoors within early childhood education settings. The module will develop in the student a broad understanding of the role of outdoor play within early childhood care and education. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the main theories and pedagogies relevant to contemporary educational practice outdoors for children from birth to six years of age. Through the use of our purpose built classroom, the module will provide an awareness of the importance of maintaining a safe and secure outdoor environment, including an overview of risk management. Students will be introduced to skills in planning, designing and maintaining outdoor environments. The module will make direct links throughout with First 5: A Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2018); Aístear (2009) the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, Siolta (2006) the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and the Aístear and Siolta practice guide (2015). The UNCRC (1989); The National Play Policy: Ready Steady Play (2004) and the National Recreational Policy for Young People (2007)
History and development of outdoor practice
The place of play in early childhood care and education discourses in Ireland: perspectives from policy and practiceThe National Play PolicyEquality of opportunity in playChildren’s VoicesChildren’s priorities in their outdoor play ExperiencesAistear and Siolta Practice Guide to Play
Planning an Outdoor Curriculum
A pedagogy of play: strengthening the relationship between play and effective learning and developmentCurriculum Frameworks National and Internationally
Understanding risk and challenge in relation to outdoor environments
The theory of risky playThe value of providing risky playRisk assessment approaches for outdoor play and learning. Approaches to managing risk, the balance between risk and safetyBarriers that may prevent professionals from including out-door play as an extension of learning
Spaces and Places, Developing Outdoor Spaces
The elements of a rich environment; Programme Structure;Defining spaces, surfaces, natural spaces, growing spaces, active spaces, reflective Spaces, creative Spaces and social Spaces. The Four Elements: messy Play; viewing the outdoors in extending fields of experience, gender, multi-sensory exploration of natural elements. Transforming physical environment with loose parts, house building, designing places for play. Making other spaces more ‘playable’
This module is delivered through lectures which provide the theoretical learning behind outdoor play. Students are directed to additional webinars and relevant practice video links. The weekly two-hour tutorials provide outdoor opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning and look at how the theory relates to practice.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |