What's new

This 224-page text prepares pre-service and practising early childhood teachers to connect children with nature through outdoor play and learning. It focuses on immersive nature play programmes. It covers the benefits of learning in natural spaces, First Nations People's perspectives, pedagogical interactions and policies, education for sustainability, and risk management, combining contemporary theory, research, practical guidance and provocations.

Why it matters in Aotearoa

For kaiako running or planning nature-based programmes in Aotearoa, this book offers guidance from an experienced team of Australian authors, including Sue Elliott, who has worked in outdoor nature play advocacy and practice for over two decades. Its ideas would need adapting to Te Whāriki and local iwi perspectives.

Putting it into practice

Before starting or reviewing a regular off-site nature programme, use the risk management and pedagogical interactions content to set the adult role and the boundaries for children's risk-taking.

How strong is the evidence

This is a professional textbook combining theory, research and practice guidance, not a single empirical study. It is written by Australian authors about Australian natural environments, so New Zealand users will need to translate its curriculum and policy context.

What to read

Content on pedagogical interactions, risk management and First Nations perspectives

Who it's for