Outdoor Learning

Building on students’ knowledge of a holistic pedagogy of care, and of teaching and learning this module will involve exploration of the outdoor environment as an appropriate space for child development and learning. It will raise awareness of the physical, social and environmental settings available outdoors to children in their everyday lives. Students will examine the role of movement experiences outdoors that will develop motor competence and encourage motor confidence, creativity, social skills and physical activity levels of young children. Year round access to outdoor play spaces will be debated in an Irish and international context including the types of environment and experiences young children need. Students will learn how to construct play areas that are physically and emotionally safe to promote physical and collaborative play. Emphasis will be on the importance of giving children time and scope to acquire, refine and consolidate their developing skills during outdoor play that can involve risk taking behaviors while investigating the role of the adult in providing non-directive but vigilant support.