Description

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Children's outdoor play and experiences matter

New delights and opportunities for learning await each time children venture outdoors. This updated and expanded edition of The Great Outdoors will inspire teachers to make it possible for children to spend more time outdoors, have safe environments, and be free to learn through exploration. This book:

• Reviews why outdoor play matters for children, especially when it involves nature
• Explores the historical and contemporary inspirations and foundation for nature education
• Discusses ways to keep children safe outdoors, including minimizing sun exposure and other dangers
• Highlights the importance of nature experiences for children's spiritual development
• Explores the necessity and challenges of creating child-friendly cities and environments

Each chapter ends with action items to improve children's access to safe, clean, and interesting places in your community and is packed with resource ideas for further exploration. The Great Outdoors will enable you take up the challenge to advocate for enticing outdoor spaces for children.

About the Author

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Mary Rivkin, PhD, is an associate professor of education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her research focuses on children's outdoor play. Deborah Schein, PhD, teaches at Champlain College and consults for the Agency of Jewish Learning in Pittsburgh.