Why do outdoor play and learning matter?

This chapter presents an overview of outdoor environments as spaces for promoting children’s learning, development and wellbeing. When examining the history of early years education, it is apparent that the seminal thinkers understood the unique and important contribution of the outdoors in early learning and development. Outdoor play has been a feature of early years education for centuries. The educational philosophies and pedagogical approaches of Rousseau have been influential in emphasising the unique contribution of the natural environment as an important resource and context, within which children learn through their sensory interactions with the physical world. A number of other social and environmental factors have been identified to explain these changes in children’s outdoor play. Evidence is accruing that inexpensive improvements in outdoor play can lead to increases in children’s physical activity. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.