Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors: Activity Ideas and Best Practice for Teaching and Learning Outside - Softcover

Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors is an accessibly written, attractively designed book providing a balance between practical activities, theory, curriculum and practitioner priorities such as observations, planning and recording learning. I particularly like the fact that methods of science enquiry have been used to provide structure throughout the book, signposting to practitioners the different dimensions of scientific enquiry in a helpful and accessible way. The excellent pictures help clarify and bring the text to life as well as informing and inspiring practitioners. I feel that the accessibility of this book is significantly enhanced by the layout and mix of activities and more managerial issues. There is also a good balance between adult-led and adult-initiated activities. The inclusion of key vocabulary as part of the practical activities supports and empowers practitioners in their interactions with children. I like the inclusion of extension ideas which help strengthen and consolidate learning of concepts and a help to avoid a focus on disparate activities. The section on Continuous Outdoor provision provides a wealth of great low or no cost ideas which will I m sure be useful for settings. For all the above reasons Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors provides a great introduction to the world of science and the vital role of inspiring the adults that work with children to ensure that these natural scientists are able to explore, flourish and grow. --Sue Gascoyne, Author and Early Education Trainer

The only series showing clearly how to plan for outdoor learning. Dedicated activities to develop specific skills and aspects of science. Links to all four British early years curriculum frameworks. Developing Early Science Skills Outdoors aims to provide practitioners with a wealth of practical ideas for how to develop and enhance the outdoor area to facilitate science learning. The activities throughout the book are low cost and easy to set up, aiming to reassure practitioners and give them confidence to plan more scientific learning experiences outdoors. This is further supported with planning guidance and resource ideas, as well as advice on observation and assessment, including suggestions for how to reduce the paperwork burden and a useful observation template. Includes: an introduction to each method, explaining why it is important and outlining the fundamental skills and concepts that underpin it; ideas for adult-led and adult-initiated activities that aim to develop children's early knowledge, skills and understanding; suggestions for how to enhance continuous outdoor provision so that it promotes the use of each method of scientific enquiry; and pointers and tips about teaching science in the early years. Includes ideas for how to involve parents and carers.