Outdoor Play

The overall purpose of this module is to identify and critically examine the relationship between the child, the outdoor environment, and the adult in early childhood education. The learner will evaluate their ability to lead outdoor provision within a setting. The immense benefits of outdoor play to children’s well-being will be evaluated. This module will provide an opportunity to investigate the rationale for learning outdoors and to interrogate the main theoretical perspectives that inform contemporary and international models of outdoor learning. The learner will explore the role of the natural environment, risk and outdoor play in early childhood development. Students will draw on this theoretical framework to develop confidence and competence in designing outdoor learning spaces and in developing curriculum and outdoor learning practices in line with Aistear (2009), the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Siolta (2006) The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and the Aistear Siolta Practice Guide (2015).

1. Identify and critically examine the relationship between the child, the outdoor environment, and the adult in early childhood education

2. Plan and design an outdoor space for early childhood education that incorporates an appreciation of the differing pedagogical and development needs of children 0-6 years of age.

3. To understand the main pedagogical frameworks of learning out of doors in early childhood education from contempory domestic and international perspectives.

4. Plan outdoor learning experiences that demonstrate a knowledge and understanding Aistear (2009), The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and Síolta (2006) The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education.