Research, reports and guidance on education outside the classroom and outdoor education, with a plain-English summary of each and a link to the original. New items are added every week.
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateJournal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning4 February 2019International
Dutch childcare professionals said regulations, organisational protocols and overprotective parents were the main barriers to children's risky play.
Early childhood and nature playRisk and safetyInternational and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateThe New Zealand Annual Review of Education30 December 2018
Oral histories from NZ early childhood leaders show how ideas of 'safety' have shifted over time and carry paradoxes for teachers who must also support risky play.
Early childhood and nature playRisk and safety
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateAustralian Journal of Environmental EducationJuly 2018International
A Canadian public school district built a lasting nature kindergarten through community planning, co-created guiding principles, and careful hiring and ongoing support of its educators.
Early childhood and nature playEducator capability and PLDInternational and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updatePacific Early Childhood Education Research Association31 May 2018
A close look at one bush walk shows how an early childhood teacher and four-year-olds worked together on outdoor features in ways that encouraged risk-taking and resilience.
Early childhood and nature playRisk and safetyWellbeing and mental health
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateAustralian Journal of Environmental Education26 April 2018International
Six 'touchstones' for wild pedagogies give early childhood environmental educators a way to think about nature as a co-teacher and about letting go of control.
Early childhood and nature playTeaching and facilitation outdoorsSustainability and environmental education
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateAustralian Journal of Environmental EducationMarch 2018
The abstract gives background on Education for Sustainability in early childhood and points to teacher education as one way to address it. It does not state the study's aim, method or findings.
Sustainability and environmental educationEducator capability and PLDEarly childhood and nature play
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateAustralian Journal of Environmental Education16 February 2017International
Australian policy increasingly requires natural outdoor spaces in early childhood and schools, yet how these environments shape learning is still under-researched.
Early childhood and nature playPolicy and advocacy
Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 updateEarly Childhood Folio2017
In three New Zealand early childhood settings that prioritise regular natural outdoor experiences, children's creativity was supported through meaningful engagement with natural environments.
Early childhood and nature play
Book2017–2026 updateAllen & Unwin2017International
An Australian edited guide to designing and using early years outdoor spaces for exploration, discovery and risk-taking.
Early childhood and nature playRisk and safety