Equip your students with the theoretical and practical knowledge to thrive outdoors in natural learning environments.

Early Years Learning in Australian Natural Environments provides pre-service and practising teachers with the knowledge and skills to connect children with nature through outdoor play and learning. Rich with contemporary theory, research, practical guidance and provocations, this text addresses a range of topics related to Immersive Nature Play Programs in the early years. These include the benefits of learning in natural spaces, First Nations People’s perspectives, understandings about pedagogical interactions and policies, and education for sustainability and risk management.

Written by an experienced team of Australian authors, this book will support pre-service teachers in developing a deep understanding of how nature-based play and learning can promote children’s wellbeing and development.

Key Features

• Addresses specific local perspectives about Immersive Nature Play Programs within Australian landscapes and early years’ contexts.
• Includes close links to the Australian Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standard.
• Supports learning with illustrative case studies, chapter summaries, conclusions and reflective questions.
• Provides practical advice on how pre-service teachers can start their Immersive Nature Play Program journey, as well as prompts for deeper reflection about values and pedagogies.
• Emphasises the importance of early years educators in contributing to the wellbeing, health, learning and development of young children.
• Develops awareness of First Nations People’s perspectives and opportunities for reconciliation through Immersive Nature Play Programs.
• Focuses on sustainability and community relationships as integral to Immersive Nature Play Programs.

1. Introduction

2. Establishing an Immersive Nature Play Program

3. Reflecting on research: Strands and provocations

4. Early stage practitioners: ‘The how to’

5. Bringing community along: Building relationships and partnerships

6. Ongoing practitioners: Delving deeper and lessons learnt

7. Extending and co-constructing innovative curricula with children

8. More than fun in nature: Restoring global sustainability

9. Listening with First Nations People’s voices through Immersive Nature Play Programs

10. Theoretical provocations for researchers and practitioners

11. Case studies: A rich collection of practice from Australia’s diverse landscapes

Fran Hughes is a Lecturer in early childhood education at the University of New England and TAFE NSW.

Sue Elliott is a Senior Lecturer in early childhood education at the University of New England.

Karen Anderson is a Kindergarten Teacher at Balnarring Preschool.

Barbara Chancellor is a Researcher and Lecturer at Federation University and Director of Outdoor Playspace Consultancy.

The following resources are available for lecturers who prescribe Early Years Learning in Australian Natural Environments for their course:

• Powerpoint slides with images, figures and reflective questions from the text to support your lectures and tutorials.
• An Instructor’s Resource Manual containing a glossary and links to current policies from the states and territories.

For more information about these resources please contact your Oxford Learning Resource Consultant.