Outdoor Playspace Naturally, The

The Outdoor Playspace Naturally arose from concerns shared by the editor and contributing authors about children's playspaces in early childhood services in Australia. It reveals their concerns and offers guidance and information to early childhood educators, centre co-ordinators, management committees, designers and all those involved in the provision of early childhood services.

We can do better for children than quick fix, generic and synthetic playspaces and this publication provides the foundation for creating natural, dynamic and engaging playspaces. At its heart, the creation of a natural playspace is a collaborative venture between children, parents and staff that is locally vital and evolves over time. The inspiring photographs and case studies well illustrate the potential.

The authors of this publication are committed to change - change that will improve childrens outdoor play opportunities, health, well being, connections with nature and promote education for sustainability.

Contents

Preface
Author Profiles
Introduction: Why natural outdoor playspaces? by Sue Elliott and Julie Davis

Chapter 1: Designing natural playspaces: principles by Ric McConaghy

Chapter 2: Designing natural playspaces: processes by Ric McConaghy

Chapter 3: Creating specific features to foster nature connections by Tracy Young

Chapter 4: How do natural playspaces meet developmental needs and interests? by Kerry Rogers

Chapter 5: Standards and stones by Barbara Champion

Chapter 6: Making natural playspaces more accessible to children with disabilities by Mary Jeavons

Chapter 7: Planning for children in natural playspaces by Michelle Hocking

Chapter 8: Early childhood centre case studies from Australia by Sue Elliott

Introduction
Campus Kindy QLD
Clovelly Child Care Centre NSW
Clunes Preschool NSW
Coburg Childrens Centre Vic
Doncaster Kindergarten Vic
East Bairnsdale Early Learning Centre Vic
Kinma Preschool NSW
Princes Hill Kindergarten Vic
St Kilda and Balaclava Kindergarten Vic
Terrigal Child Care Centre NSW
Yirrkala Dhanbul Child Care
Preschool Centre NT

Chapter 9: International perspectives on natural playspaces

Introduction
The Danish Connection: Den Intergrerede Institution Havens, Arhus, Denmark by Joanne Sorensen
Weaving our culture, social and environmental identity into outdoor playspaces: some thoughts from New Zealand by Sue Vaealiki
Learning through Landscapes UK by Tracy Young

Conclusion
References and resources