Learning outside the classroom is increasingly seen as beneficial in both early years and primary settings, and it is becoming embedded in the curriculum, but what are the benefits of this approach? What do children learn from being outside the classroom? This book explores why learning beyond the classroom is important for children, and offers practical examples of how to improve outdoor learning experiences for all children. In the face of the increasing restriction of children's outdoor experiences, it will help the reader rise to the challenge of finding creative opportunities for working across the curriculum through outdoor activities. Chapters cover: - the theory behind learning outside the classroom - transition from early years to primary practice - what outdoor learning looks like, in different contexts - teaching and learning across the curriculum outdoors - how to evaluate the effectiveness of different outdoor activities, and learning outside the classroom as a whole. Each chapter has case studies, thoughts on theory, points for practice and summaries to help readers digest the most important information. Critical thinking and reflective practice are encouraged throughout to support consideration of how outdoor learning relates to the curricula in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sue Waite is a Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, where she leads the outdoor and experiential learning research network in the Faculty of Education.

Learning outside the classroom has been high on the political agenda for several years now, but recent Ofsted reports indicate that this can be confined to termly or yearly trips, as an 'extra'. This book provides a convincing and readable promotion of regular outdoor learning. It draws on relevant research to reinforce that working in 'real' environments benefits children's all-round development – cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. This is illustrated through a wide range of engaging activities, from how to make a scarecrow, to interpreting a painting in a gallery, from getting the best from a library visit, to how best to attack a medieval castle. This practical guide for busy teachers will help them to link what they do in and out of the class. It's a must for every staffroom bookshelf.

The new edition of this bestselling textbook continues to help students and professionals understand the importance of getting children learning outside the traditional classroom, and is packed full of creative information and ideas for teachers and practitioners to incorporate outdoor activities throughout the school curriculum. Significantly revised and updated the second edition now includes 7 brand new chapters on: Methods of assessment and evaluation Global perspectives on outdoor learning Developing whole school approaches to indoor and outdoor teaching Technology and its role outside the classroom Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and learning outdoors Forest School The environmental sector and outdoor learning Whether you′re training to become a teacher, or already working in the classroom, this book demonstrates how the outdoor environment is enriching learning opportunities for children and deepening their connections with the natural world. NOW FEATURING! Online resources that include free SAGE journal articles, weblinks, annotated further readings and video to help translate theory into real life practice. Sue Waite will be discussing key ideas from Children Learning Outside the Classroom: From Birth to Eleven in the SAGE Early Years Masterclass, a free professional development experience hosted by Kathy Brodie. To sign up, or for more information,

"We believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances. Learning outside the classroom is about raising achievement through an organised, powerful approach to learning in which direct experience is of prime importance." LOTC Initiative manifesto In Learning Outside the Primary Classroom, the educationalist and writer Fred Sedgwick explores in a practical way the many opportunities for intense learning that children and teachers can find outside the confines of the usual learning environment, the classroom. This original work is based on tried and tested methods from UK primary schools. The author draws on current concerns in the educational world regarding outdoor learning as exemplified by the eight sector Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) initiative (supported by Ofsted), but remains refreshingly independent in approach. Using a metaphor of concentric circles Learning Outside the Primary Classroom starts with a brief opening chapter based in the classroom itself before moving outwards to explore the learning possibilities presented by the immediate environs of the school – playgrounds, gym halls, sports fields etc. Later chapters move beyond the school gates to explore the local shops, parks, religious centres, libraries and town halls and the myriad learning opportunities they represent. The final chapters explore the possibilities of larger scale day trips to major galleries and museums and more ambitious field trips.

Flexible, effective and creative primary school teachers require subject knowledge, an understanding of their pupils and how they learn, a range of strategies for managing behaviour and organising environments for learning, and the ability to respond to dynamic classroom situations. This third edition of Learning to Teach in the Primary School is fully updated with reference to the new National Curriculum, and has been revised to provide even more practical advice and guidance to trainee primary teachers. Twenty-two new authors have been involved and connections are now made to Northern Irish, Welsh and Scottish policies. In addition, five new units have been included on: making the most of your placement play and exploration in learning behaviour management special educational needs phonics. With Masters-level reflective tasks and suggestions for research-based further reading, the book provides valuable support to trainee teachers engaged in learning through school-based experience and through reading, discussion and reflections as part of a teacher education course. It provides an accessible and engaging introduction to knowledge about teaching and learning that every student teacher needs to acquire in order to gain qualified teacher status (QTS). This comprehensive textbook is essential reading for all students training to be primary school teachers, including those on undergraduate teacher training courses (BEd, BA with QTS, BSc with QTS), postgraduate teacher training courses (PGCE, SCITT) and employment-based teacher training courses (Schools Direct, Teach First), plus those studying Education Studies. This textbook is supported by a free companion website with additional resources for instructors and students and can be accessed at www.routledge.com/cw/Cremin.

Provides support for students studying for the CACHE Level 3 Child Care and Education qualification. This work features an index to help students find just what they're looking for. It also includes case studies, activities and photos that help students to apply their learning, develop professional skills, and reflect on their practice.

This new textbook provides support to student teachers on primary ITT, BEd and PGCE courses. It supplies a practical introduction to the teaching skills as well as the theory underpinning them.

Now in a fully updated seventh edition, The Teaching of Science in Primary Schools provides essential information for students, trainee, and practising teachers about the why, what and how of teaching primary science. Paying particular attention to inquiry-based teaching and learning, the book recognises the challenges of teaching science, and provides suggestions and examples aimed to increase teachers’ confidence and pupils‘ enjoyment of the subject. This new edition explores: Changes in curriculum and assessment requirements in the UK Advances in knowledge of how children learn Expansion in the use of ICT by teachers and children And expands on key aspects of teaching including: The compelling reasons for starting science in the primary school Strategies for helping children to develop understanding, skills and enjoyment Attention to school and teacher self-evaluation as a means of improving provision for children’s learning. Giving the latest information about the rationale for and use of inquiry-based, constructivist methodology, and the use of assessment to help learning, the book combines practice and theory, explaining and advocating for particular classroom interactions and activities. This book is essential reading for all primary school teachers and those engaged in studying primary education.

Creative teaching has the potential to inspire deep learning, using inventive activities and stimulating contexts that can capture the imagination of children. This book enables you to adopt a creative approach to the methods and content of your primary science teaching practice and confidently develop as a science educator. Key aspects of science teaching are discussed, including: planning for teaching and learning assessing primary science cross-curricular approaches the intelligent application of technology sustainability education outdoor learning Coverage is supported by illustrative examples, encouraging you to look at your own teaching practice, your local community and environment, your own interests and those of your children to deepen your understanding of what constitutes good science teaching in primary schools. This is essential reading for students on primary initial teacher education courses, on both university-based (BEd, BA with QTS, PGCE) and schools-based (School Direct, SCITT) routes into teaching. Dr Roger Cutting is an Associate Professor in Education at the Institute of Education at Plymouth University. Orla Kelly is a Lecturer in Social, Environmental and Scientific Education in the Church of Ireland College of Education.

This book explores contemporary developments in outdoor learning, where the outdoors is seen as the context rather than the subject of learning. Ranging from pathfinder pieces written by practitioners to rigorous research-based pieces of work, the book explores the growing interest in animals as the basis for wider learning strategies as well as drawing together a wide range of outdoor learning approaches for all ages. Within these two discrete sections the contributors, who are drawn from a wide range of practitioners, academics and researchers, describe and analyse innovative approaches that address the need to explore alternatives to current test-based approaches to education in the western world. The whole offers a contemporary, informative, alternative approach to outdoor learning for teachers, practitioners and students.