Making sense of the sensory outdoors

Prince, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6199-4892 (2018) Making sense of the sensory outdoors. In: Leather, Mark, (ed.) Book of extended abstracts: 16th European EOE conference: Outdoor atmospheres and narratives - connecting young people to the world. Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth, UK, pp. 91-96.

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Abstract

Many practitioners introduce young people to sensory activities outdoors to encourage them to make a connection with the environment. This is an inclusive approach to engaging a group of children, which is low cost, utilises little equipment, does not require technical expertise and can take place in a local environment. However, in respect of pedagogy and learning, there are questions about its justification and meaning, and whether or not young people can derive a wider understanding of sensory deprivation and disability. Furthermore, through experiencing nature, do young people actively seek a relationship or connection with it? Educationalists following Montessori approaches promote sensory integration in young children by providing sensorial materials, usually in a ‘prepared’ indoor environment. More recently through such pedagogies, the potential of the outdoors for enabling sensory exploration has been recognised: ‘…the connection between child and nature is of critical importance’ (Noddings, 2017, p.45) and should be more inclusive. i.e. not only for children with sensory challenges.

Item Type:	Book Section
Publisher:	Plymouth Marjon University
ISBN:	9780995599642
Departments:	Academic Departments > Science, Natural Resources & Outdoor Studies (SNROS) > Outdoor Studies
Additional Information:	Book of extended abstracts for the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning Conference EOE2017, held at Plymouth Marjon University, UK, 28 June - 2 July 2017. See also the presentation here: http://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/3102/
Depositing User:	Anna Lupton
Date Deposited:	20 Sep 2018 15:06
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 19:01
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/4096

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