Rich play and learning opportunities need to be influenced by considered design, planning and construction and by the pedagogy and risk/benefit philosophy of educators. This cross-sector resource provides tools and information to highlight the value of self-exploration, discovery and challenge for children’s development. Case Studies from South Australian sites offer stories of experience and conviction, helping children navigate risk and challenge and optimise learning opportunities.

View Post Click to Download

Subject Area: Risk

This blog from the Tinkergarten community, supports families, leaders and those attending Tinkergarten outdoor playgroups.  Blog posts are categorised for ease of use and include early learning, parenting, nature, meet our team and #OutdoorsAll4 which encourages outdoor play throughout all seasons.

Includes optional access to a free weekly newsletter of outdoor ideas and activities.

View Post View Link

This toolkit from the World Forum Foundation’s Nature Action Collaborative and Nature Explore contains over 80 pages of activities to use with children ages 3-8 years old in early childhood and school settings. The guide is focused on positive actions that teachers and children can take together to make the world a “greener” and healthier place.

View Post View Link

Year Level: Early Years, Primary

This document from Western Australia is a powerful resource for recognising and linking curriculum, outcomes and capabilities to Nature Play/Pedagogy from Early Years up to and including Year 6.

Outdoor learning spaces are a feature of Australian learning environments. They offer a vast array of possibilities not available indoors. Play spaces in natural environments include plants, trees, edible gardens, sand, rocks, mud, water and other elements in nature. These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment, develop environmental awareness and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education (DEEWR, 2009, P. 16).

View Post View Link

Year Level: Early Years, Primary

Subject Area: Curriculum

Sarah Blackwell is the Founder and CEO of Forest Schools Education, Forest Schools Kindergarten and Archimedes Earth as well as a well-known public speaker in the field of alternative education and outdoor learning. With over 30 years’ experience supporting outdoor play and learning, Sarah’s blog has many resources, links and discussion around the latest research and hot topics.

View Post View Link