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NURTURE THROUGH NATURE

By: Claire Warden
Mindstretchers, Perthshire. 2007
Paperback, 100 pages
Recommended retail price:$59.95
ISBN: 978 1 906116 01 9

Claire Warden follows up her publication “ The Potential of a Puddle” with this book which is aimed at providing natural play experiences for the under three year olds. She begins with the Vision and Values of outdoor play which give outdoor play environments an equal emphasis to indoor play spaces, with play as the most important activity. The environment should also be dynamic, flexible, stimulating, allow challenges and risk taking, should be inclusive of all and supported by adults who are committed and enthusiastic. Warden emphasises relationships with adults as they have a key role in providing opportunities for experimentation, risk taking and autonomy.

Warden then devotes a chapter each to ways of using various materials such as mud and soil, sand, water, animals and plants. Each chapter is illustrated with many photos and concludes with a list of resources to use with that element. Warden also suggests ways in which the spaces provided for this age group can be tailored to their needs and how very young children will use the spaces in different ways.

This book is a visual feast with many photographs of very young children engaged in play with many types of natural materials. It is a must for all staff working with this age group as it shows that even very young children learn from the natural environment and that getting wet and dirty are important and natural experiences of early childhood. It is also a valuable tool to use with parents who may be reluctant to allow their child access to natural materials.

Helen Inglis

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