Risk & Adventure in Early Years Outdoor Play

Sara Knight is a teacher and Forest School leader. She contributes to the development Forest School in the UK, publishing academic papers and books on the subject, and is a keynote speaker at conferences worldwide. Since retiring as a University lecturer she continues to play in the woods and write about it. Sara Knight will be discussing key ideas from Forest School in Practice in the SAGE Early Years Masterclass, a free professional development experience hosted by Kathy Brodie. To sign up, or for more information, click here.

Introduction: Why Adventure, Why Risk? Earth Water Air Fire Seasonal Changes Heuristic Play Natural Creativity Risk and Danger Conclusion: The Role of the Adult Appendix 1: Useful Resources Appendix 2: Curriculum Links

'the book has considerable strengths as a resource for Early Years practitioners, and the staff of a setting could well use it to support the systematic development of their outdoor provision, discussing and using the activities and points for practice incorporated into each chapter' - Valerie Huggins, Early Years 'Chapter 8 of this book is one of the most sensible pieces of writing I have read on risk assessment. Very well balanced, clear and concise advice when weighing up the benefits of learning with risk factors involved...The practical advice in this excellent book is underpinned by the latest theory that supports its use, and is further backed by real-life examples. With a further book on Forest Schools in the pipeline, the author is leading by example in the drive to get children and practitioners outdoors, enjoying the many benefits that nature brings' - Early Years Educator 'I cannot imagine an author more qualified to write about outdoor play in the early years...a clearly-written, well-structured book that is full of useful suggestions for activities, implications for practice, and sources for further reading. It is recommended in particular to practicing early years educators who would like to - as the back cover implores us -"incorporate the wilder and riskier elements of outdoor play into their planning"' -Educational Review This is a clearly-written, well-structured book that is full of useful suggestions for activities, implications for practice, and sources for further reading. -- Simon Beames * Educational Review *