September 11, 2019 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Play, inquiry and wellbeing in early years outdoor environments

At a time where children are spending more time indoors than any other time in history it is vital to bring in a focus on the outdoors and get children outside!

 

How did you play as a child, where did you play and what did you learn by playing?

More likely than not you spent a lot of your time outdoors, exploring and investigating a complex, intriguing, ever-changing and often unpredictable world.

So, what has changed? Why are we seeing children spending more time indoors? And what can we do to reconnect children to the great outdoors?

 

This workshop will explore the following themes:

  • What makes the outdoors a great place to be a child?
  • Why does your role play such a significant part in reconnecting children to the outdoors?
  • What are the key factors in uncovering the potential of the outdoor environment both in and around your service setting?
  • How to evaluate your outdoor space and implement strategies for quality improvement

This workshop will leave you with:

  • a deeper understanding of how to support and respond to children’s play and learning in the great outdoors
  • an insight into how the intentional and well considered use of space and resources support children’s and adult’s engagement in the outdoors
  • confidence in promoting the outdoors and communicating the benefits of scrapes, bruises and getting dirty in the outdoors

Facilitator: Scott Gibson