5 Definitions

Within the context of this research project, the following terms are defined as:

Forest School – “is an inspirational process that offers ALL learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. Forest School is a specialised learning approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor and woodland education” (Forest School Association, 2019).

Loose Parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with no specific set of directions, which can be used alone or combined with other materials. More information

Nature Playis any activity that gets children active or thinking actively outdoors, with the end goal of building skills and ability to play without the need for parental or adult control (Whittle, 2016). Nature play does not involve human-made playground equipment.

Perceived Risk – is how each individual assesses the risk involved in situations involving speed, height, dangerous tools, dangerous elements, rough & tumble play, and/or the sense of getting lost. For example, a height that seems risky or scary for one person may not appear risky to another person.

Play Ranger – work in public spaces within communities, enabling and encouraging all children to play freely outdoors. They need to know how to make the best use of the natural environment for play, make difficult judgments on appropriate risk taking and how to be catalysts for play, without becoming either entertainers or child-minders (go2play, March 2017).

Risk Assessment – Adults and children engage is constant risk assessment by looking for dangers in the tree canopy (above their head), at the height of their direct line of vision, and on the ground. The Head & Shoulders, Knees & Toes song is a good way to remember where to look for risk.

Risky Play is NOT: Neglect; Recklessness; Pushing children beyond abilities or interests

Risky Playcan be defined as a thrilling and exciting activity that involves a risk of physical injury, and play that provides opportunities for challenge, testing limits, exploring boundaries and learning about injury risk (Little & Sweller, 2014).

Serious Injury – Any injury for which there are long-term effects to the person or child. This includes traumatic brain injuries, amputation, or death. It does not include broken bones or cuts requiring stitches, which heal overtime(Brussoni, 2018).

Wilderness – a natural environment that has not been significantly modified by human activity.

Woodland – land covered with trees.

Nature and woodland play sites can be found within urban, city centres

 

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Outdoor Play Resource Guide: ECE Copyright © 2019 by Mohawk College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book