What do children really get out of playing outdoors? An action research project into children's fascinations and explorations in nature, described by Annie Davy and Jennie Creese, found the evidence.

What is a child really asking when they ask 'Why are the leaves yellow?' Is it a scientific question requiring a scientific answer? Or a metaphysical question, best responded to through a story or a poem? Or is it an aesthetic question requiring follow-up opportunities to draw, paint and experiment with colour?

Twelve early years practitioners from eight settings developed their own mini research projects to explore the complexity of children's learning outdoors. They wanted to explore:

The practitioners involved in this project inspired each other to observe children's learning outdoors, consider their own responses, and develop sustained shared lines of enquiry. The concept of 'eco-literacy' was developed as an important area of learning for children and practitioners alike.

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