Routledge Taking the First Steps Outside: Under threes learning and developing in the natural environment

Can one be too young to play outside? This unique and compelling book charts the experiences of a group of under-three-year-olds as they explore their natural outdoor environment, followed by caring and attentive adults. It deconstructs the myths that underestimate under threes and celebrates the importance of connecting children with the natural world and the influence of positive relationships in this early stage of life. Taking the First Steps Outside draws on all aspects of working outdoors, focusing on different steps of the project, main achievements and obstacles, implemented strategies and benefits for the development of young children. Features include: Stunning photographs of children exploring the outdoor environment, who are interested, thoughtful, persistent and successful Detailed descriptions of real events, illustrating how the outdoor space can be an educational context for under threes Insight into the role of the adult, as they observe and reflect upon children’s learning Advice on choosing the right resources and facilities to create a good outdoor learning environment for the young child Advice about risky play and promoting challenging and positive opportunities in the natural environment Guidance on how to set up an outdoor project for children under three Written to support all students, teachers, practitioners and managers working with under threes, this essential guide will help you to develop your knowledge, build confidence and gain the ability to co-explore outdoors with children. Review "The majority of the books about outdoor education are aimed at children over three-years-old. This book seeks to address the balance by following a group of children younger than three as they fully explore and interact with the natural world in the company of attentive and supportive adults." - Neil Henty, EYE "Can one be too young to play outside? Of course not, as this book clearly shows. It follows the experiences of a group of under-three-year-olds as they explore their natural outdoor environment, followed by caring and attentive adults. It deconstructs the myths that underestimate under threes and celebrates the importance of connecting children with the natural world and the influence of positive relationships in this early stage of life. The real-life experiences the book reflects should encourage everyone to get young children outside as much as possible. Features include: Stunning photographs of children exploring the outdoor environment, who are interested, thoughtful, persistent and successful - these are really inspiring; Detailed descriptions of real events, illustrating how the outdoor space can be an educational context for under threes; Insight into the role of the adult, as they observe and reflect upon children’s learning; Advice on choosing the right resources and facilities to create a good outdoor learning environment for the young child; Advice about risky play and promoting challenging and positive opportunities in the natural environment; Guidance on how to set up an outdoor project for children under three. Written to support all students, teachers, practitioners and managers working with under threes, this essential guide will help you to develop your knowledge, build confidence and gain the ability to co-explore outdoors with children." - Sarah Brew, Parents in Touch "The authors’ genuine love of the outdoors and passion for enriching the learning environment by allowing children freedom to explore the natural world is communicated throughout this book, and is what makes this such a fantastic resource. It is, arguably, essential reading for all of us who play a part in supporting the learning and development of the under threes on a daily basis." - Helen Reeve, TACTYC About the Author Helen Bilton is Associate Professor of Education at the University of Reading, UK. Gabriela Bento is an educational psychologist and PhD student a