Children Learning Outside the Classroom

Reviews / Votes

'This is not a 'how to do it' fun-filled activity book of potential outside-the-classroom learning activities, it is rather a book for reflection and consideration in responding to the need for outdoor learning and key principles which should be adhered to in extending learning beyond the classroom. As learning outside the classroom becomes increasingly well recognized, this book addresses issues of growing importance for parents, teachers
and all those concerned with children's education in today's world'





'It is difficult to do justice to this book in a short review, but at a time when the western world in particular is becoming more and more risk-averse-to an extent that is depriving many children of enriching outdoor experiences, this book is extremely welcome. Not only does it provide practitioners with a sound, theoretically based rationale for the benefits of outdoor education, it offers a wealth of ideas for using different environments effectively and should provide those who are uncertain about taking their students outdoors with the confidence to do so'
- Children, Youth and Environments Journal






'Since first reading, I have not stopped recommending this book to anyone involved in the quest to take learning outside; teachers, early years practitioners, support staff, playworkers and students. To my mind it is the best book to be written on the subject to date. Many books have described different learning experiences, extolled the benefits and given examples and reflections, yet this book goes further, as both a thorough interrogation and a Haynes-style manual for practitioners. If, at any point in your planning, you stop and wonder what you're doing and why, the many points for practice highlighted within will enable you to deepen your understanding and strengthen your delivery. It is a book you can dip into time and time again to refresh your thinking and from which to draw inspiration. I often open it just to ponder one of the many useful questions it includes. In this way, you are guided to form your own point of view and at no point does the writing become evangelical. Challenges are raised and unpacked from different angles. Sue Waite is well known in the field for good reason. Her in-depth research as a fellow at the University of Plymouth has charted the growth of outdoor learning for primary aged children and subsequently the many challenges we face in initiating it. The many well-known chapter authors all contribute to a complete addressing of outdoor learning across all approaches, subjects and the curriculum'
-Melanie McCree, Forest School Leader






'This book introduces the subject of learning beyond the classroom clearly. In doing this, it addresses a gap in the literature. With an emphasis on personal engagement with outdoor spaces and the importance of learning beyond the classroom, this book covers how environments beyond the classroom can be a significant context for learning for children from the Foundation Stage through to the end of primary school'
- Deborah Albon, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, London Metropolitan University






'There has been a distinct lack of books which provide links between the theory and practice of outdoor education. Sue Waite clearly has a vision for this book and there is potential for enormous impact on practice which will ultimately mean worthwhile, significant and life changing experiences for children!'
- Rebecca Austin, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, Canterbury Christ Church University