Taking the learning outdoors: the challenges and the possibilities

This chapter is for all those who ‘invest daily, deeply and for life in this vital phase ofeducation . . . The education of young children matters immeasurably – to them both nowand in the future, and to our society’Robin Alexander, 2010The aim of this chapter is to emphasise and establish the importance of outdoor learning asa need and requirement for all young children. The application of theory will be strengthenedby including examples from practice that will challenge and expand teachers’ thinkingrelated to the possibilities and potential of outdoor experiences. It will seek to enhance theunderstanding and relationship between brain development, movement and the senses andinspire those who work with young children to seek more exciting and rewarding opportunitiesfor those in their care. With the increasing demand for extended hours, and the growingdebate related to developing healthy patterns for life, this chapter will explore children’sbiological need for movement, and seek to create more exciting opportunities for learning.