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

Taking the First Steps Outside provides a clear and accessible guide to making outdoor play, teaching and learning suitable for very young children. It follows the experiences of a group of children under three as they learn to understand, appreciate and love the outdoors, recording how the children change and develop when learning in an outdoor environment. Highly illustrated, it includes ideas for and reflection upon outdoor play. Demonstrating that with dedicated and knowledgable staff, very young children can achieve excellent progress and involvement in an outdoor environment, this is a vital resource for anyone wishing to improve the education of very young children outdoors.

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.