Early years outdoor learning

                                               EARLY YEAR OUTDOOR LEARNING
                                        A Toolkit Developing Early Years Outdoor Provision

SECTION 1: Introduction

The outdoor environment is rich, dynamic and natural space for learning and development in children of all ages. Its value as an essential learning resource has been recognised by many pieces of research and more recently with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), particularly within the principle of "Enabling Environments".

The EYFS states:
   
1. Being outdoors has a positive impact on children's sense of well being and helps all aspects of children's
    development.
2. Being outdoors offers opportunities for doing thing in different ways and on different scales than when
    indoors.
3. It gives children first hand contact with weather, seasons and the natural world.
4. Outdoor environments offer children freedom to explore, use their senses and be physically active and
    exuberant.  

Within the EYFS document 'Effective Prentice: Outdoor Learning' the key messages are:

1. The outdoor environment has unique characteristics and features.
2. Outdoor learning has equal value to indoor learning.
3. Outdoor learning has positive impact on children's well being and development.
4. children need the support of attentive and engaged adults who are enthusiastic about the outdoors and
    understand the importance of outdoor learning.
5. Outdoor learning is enhanced by an environment that is richly resourced with play materials that can be
    adapted and use in different ways.
6. An approach to outdoor learning that considers experiences rather than equipment places children at the
   centre of the provision being made.

Children can learn to make decision, solve problems and grow in confidence in their own abilities outdoors and they need plenty of time to investigate their outdoor environment purposefully. They will make predictions about what may happen based on their previous play experiences and test out these ideas and theories.(EYFS Outdoor 2007).

Mark making opportunities outdoors can be every bit as valuable as that are planned indoors, babies and toddlers will enjoy making hand prints in damp sand, while older children can set a trail of sticks around the outdoor area leading to their den. The outdoors offers children exciting opportunities for developing upper body and limb strength thought physical activity and movement. These experiences will have a positive impact on the development of control and co-ordination of small muscles needed later for successful handwriting. (EYFS resources 2007).

Outside also has a higher concentration of oxygen in the air (25% more than indoors even with all windows and doors open). Oxygen is vital for all cells to respire in the body, but particularly for brain function to aid the process of learning. Encouraging children to be active outdoor is vital for their health and well being.