Elevating Early Childhood Outdoor Pedagogy: Harnessing Schemas and Embracing Loose Parts - Paperback

by Amanda Thomas (Author), Pavla Boulton (Author)

This graduate/advanced undergraduate textbook introduces the concept of loose parts and investigates its use in the outdoor learning environment. Exploring affordance theory as an underpinning approach to outdoor pedagogy, the book will also introduce readers to schemas, explaining why these repeated patterns of children's play are so important as a window into their world. Loose parts are then discussed as a means of nourishing and nurturing children's schemas outdoors. The text offers a new lens for educators to observe children through, supporting child development and curriculum development via a holistic pedagogy.

Back Jacket

"This is a detailed, engaging and thought-provoking book full of practical and accessible ideas and information. Its effective blend of theory, practice and reflection will provide an understanding of the role schemas play in children's development and learning, making links to the unique opportunities that the outdoor environment and loose parts provide for practitioners to nurture every child's potential."

-- Jane Dorrian, Early Childhood Lecturer, The Open University, UK

"If you have ever wondered why children display repeated patterns of behaviour in their play and exploration then this book is for you [...]The importance of outdoor play and loose parts entwine beautifully with affordance theory [...]It gives us permission to freely allow children to use space and objects to be whatever they want them to be."

-- Claire Pudney, Nursery Manager and Director at Meadowbank Day Nursery, Abergavenny, UK

"This timely book is a valuable addition to supporting both students and practitioners in developing their environments so young children's schematic play can flourish. Photographs, reflective questions, case studies and further reading all help to ensure that the vital affordances for children will be considered by practitioners."

-- Julie Beams, Senior Lecturer in Education Studies at Bedfordshire University, UK

This graduate/advanced undergraduate textbook introduces the concept of loose parts and investigates its use in the outdoor learning environment. Exploring affordance theory as an underpinning approach to outdoor pedagogy, the book will also introduce readers to schemas, explaining why these repeated patterns of children's play are so important as a window into their world. Loose parts are then discussed as a means of nourishing and nurturing children's schemas outdoors. The text offers a new lens for educators to observe children through, supporting child development and curriculum development via a holistic pedagogy.

Amanda Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at the University of South Wales, UK

Pavla Boulton is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at the University of Gloucestershire, UK

Author Biography

Amanda Thomas is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at the University of South Wales, UK. She began teaching in a primary school in 1997 and successfully led the Early Years provision for over 10 years. Amanda also taught in further education for four years, training childcare practitioners. She was awarded her PhD in researching schemas in the Foundation Phase in 2018.

Pavla Boulton is Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. She has taught in primary, secondary and further education, and her main interests are in the pedagogies of outdoor learning and play. Pavla provides continuing professional development for external partners in understanding the holistic development of children and the affordances of outdoor pedagogy. She is currently a PhD student investigating pedagogies of outdoor learning.