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Environments for Outdoor Play
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Environments for Outdoor Play
A Practical Guide to Making Space for Children



March 2007 | 128 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
'Theresa's book is full of lots of inspiring, practical, 'how to go about it ideas' coupled with thought provoking and sometimes challenging comments and views. The range of ideas and information contained in this book will go a long way to support the development of flexible, imaginative, yet not prescriptive play spaces that contribute to supporting children's play. A very readable and worthwhile publication to add to your resources' - Muriel Young, Grounds for Learning (Learning Through Landscapes)

'This practical book helps the reader plan, design and manage the kinds of settings that afford children the opportunities to carry out the wide range of self-directed activities that are so important to their development. It's ideal for community development workers, the organizers of after-school programs, children's hospital staff and groups of caring parents' - Roger A. Hart, Director of the Children's Environments Research Group, The Graduate School of the City University of New York

'This readable and usable book is full of advice and ideas which will take every professional nearer to understanding the way to provide opportunities for children which the children themselves would want and enjoy... A necessary addition to the bookshelf for all interested in the subject' - PlayRights Journal (online journal of the International Play Association)

'Refreshing and insightful... One of the best things about this book is that Casey offers us a fresh perspective on our role. While we may long for a world where we opened the door and sent children outside to play, we are faced with the reality that, for a variety of reasons, these opportunities are no longer occurring naturally in our communities. It is encumbent upon us now to recreate these "essential childhood opportunities." This will take intentional, thoughtful, informed design. Casey's book gives us some great starting points. A must read' - PlayRights Magazine

'I like the attention to individuality, children's perspectives and community. The author brings a strong playwork perspective to considering outdoor spaces, which early years practitioners considering the design of new or refurbished areas should find valuable. It's crucial to free up our thinking about playful spaces, and this book brings a refreshing focus on working from children's motivations for play, using playful values (such as choice, spontaneity, freedom and meaning-making) to drive thinking, being careful not to over-design, and the organic growth of a space into a place through the play that occurs' - Nursery World

'Casey's extensive research and years of practice in award winning play services are very much in evidence in the various techniques and ideas that she describes in this publication... a great resource for any play setting considering setting up or developing thier outdoor play space' - SOSCN News Update

'If you are daunted, but excited, by the challenge of developing your outdoor spaces to meet the needs of all children, this book is an excellent resource' - Early Years Update

Exciting spaces to play are vital if we are to provide children with challenging, flexible, inclusive and stimulating opportunities to learn, develop and have fun together.

This book provides readers with ideas for developing play environments that will meet the needs of the children in their care. It illustrates how improving the play environment also offers a better, more positive way of dealing with a number of issues from inclusion to playground management and the need to promote physical activity.

It includes:

- clear frameworks for designing play environments;

- case studies showing examples of how play environments can be developed;

- ideas and activities which lead to interesting designs, with the participation of the children;

- practical examples, illustrations & photographs;

- research evidence showing the importance of good play environments.

The book is aimed at practitioners and managers in all early years and children's play settings, and students on education, early childhood, child care and playwork courses. It is also very relevant to playground designers, landscape architects and community education and development workers.

 
Introduction
 
1. Children's Need For Space To Play
 
2. Key Stages in Developing the Play Space
 
3. Features of Enriching, Inclusive Play Settings
 
4. Inspiration
 
5. Involvement And Collaboration
 
6. Bringing It All Together
 
7. Outcomes For Children And Settings
 
8. Trouble Shooting and Sources of Advice

'This practical book helps the reader plan, design and manage the kinds of settings that afford children the opportunities to carry out the wide range of self-directed activities that are so important to their development. It’s ideal for community development workers, the organizers of after-school programs, children’s hospital staff and groups of caring parents' - Roger A. Hart, Director of the Children’s Environments Research Group, The Graduate School of the City University of New York


"Recommending solid ideas for developing play environments that meet children's needs, chapters discuss frameworks for designing play environments, case studies offering examples of how play environments can be developed, ideas and activities, research evidence pointing toward the importance of good play environments, and more."     

                                                                                                          —MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

Midwest Book Review
Midwest Book Review

This is a well set out book, it is very user friendly. It is full of good ideas and insights for learners.

Miss Rachel Bedlington
Care, Sport and Leisure, Tyne Metropolitan College
August 7, 2019

A good book that explain the outdoor play as a learning resource in EY.

Mrs Svetlana Shivacheva
University Centre Croydon, Croydon College
January 19, 2016

As we have focused on creativity and using a range of teaching strategies, this has proven to be a very helpful book to develop thoughts and ideas.

Ms Kate Glanville
Faculty of Education, Birmingham City University
June 25, 2015

The book is easily accessable for students and provides practical tips for using outdoor spaces with children. The layout and presentation of information makes it suitable for the use in an applied course in Early Childhood Care and Education.

Ms Silvia Gursinski
Department for Social Science, IT Sligo
August 19, 2015

During my sessions on outdoor learning I will refer to this text, especially for those trainees who have a specialism within the early years.

Mrs Gail Parker
SWWCTE, University of Wales, Trinity St David
May 6, 2015

Very user friendly and enjoyable with great examples and practical ideas

Mrs Angela Hodgkins
Institute Of Education, Worcester Univ.
September 11, 2014

Given the need for a greater understanding in early education for planning for outdoor play in day care setting, this book is of interest to practitioners as well as those involved in Early Education training delivery.

Miss Kate Mc Auliffe
Childcare, Cork College of Commerce
May 28, 2014

During the module on Communication, Learning and Play, my first year B.Ed students have a session on planning outdoor play. This book will be recommended reading for that session.

Mr Ian Barrett
Department of Education, London Metropolitan Uni (North Campus)
May 1, 2013

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1 (1mb)


For instructors

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