by: Rachyroo - 14-03-10 14:42
I'm currently doing dissertation on how outdoor play supports cognitive development . i am struggling to find research or theory on the criticism or how it hinders development, also which policies do i included?? my tutuor keeps telling me to include policy but then when i research it i cant find any other than the policy a nursery uses.
any comments would be greatly appreciated
rachx
by: purepurple
The EYFS specifically states that outdoor play is important and that all settings should have access to outside.
by: allie
I may be along the wrong lines, but could you link cognitive theorists like Bruner who believe children are active in their learning - "discovery Learning" - and link this child initiated learning in the outdoor environment within your settting? To critique this you could look at Ausubel (also a cognitive theorist) but he believed that children learn through "reception learning", i think this is possibly more adult directed?
I hope this is of some use (sorry if not) and goodluck!! :)
by: Katy
Hi.
This may not help but to argue against it, there are many children who do not like going outdoors (especially in winter). Also children who have special needs and need adult support may not enjoy the outdoor environment if they feel they cannot access the same things that are set up outdoors.
If activies outdoors are different from what is indoors then that may hinder a child's cognitive development as they are missing out if they don't want to go outdoors.
A good book is outdoor play in the early years: management and innovation by Helen Bilton
by: kaz
Katy, we have special needs children who access outdoors with their support adult just as much as the rest of the children. I'm not sure what things they cannot access?
We also had a few reluctant children who prefer indoors but this was mostly parents telling their child not to go out because they have a cold or might get mucky. I can usually manage to persuade these reluctant children to at least have a look, and then go back inside if they wish.
by: chocoholic
Claire warden has written many books and articles about outdoor play, she is the ceo of mindstretchers. i heard her speak recently and she is insperational!
Her thing is outdoor play and i think she opened some nature kindergardens in scotland, so this may interest you
by: Tiggy
Different culture view outdoors differently too. I know somebody who moved to spain who now thinks 70 degrees as dangerously cold!