This research project offers new knowledge about how educators can offer freedom with guidance to young children in outdoor environments.
Outdoor learning in natural environments is beneficial for children and adults, yet many educators lack the confidence and opportunities to effectively support children in outdoor learning spaces.
"Adult guidance was central to Froebel’s notion of freedom. The adult played a significant role as a sensitive guide helping children to gain and use their freedom in worthwhile and mutually respectful ways." (Helen Tovey, Froebel’s principles and practice today)
The early childhood educators involved in the project used wearable video cameras to carefully observe and professionally reflect on the ways in which they offer freedom with guidance when outdoors. This offered a valuable way of ‘slowing down’ (Clark, 2022) and deepening their understanding.
The researchers capture the ‘tensions in translating Froebelian ideas into practice’ (Aksoy-Kumru, 2024) and further explore the ‘challenges in guiding educators to guide children’ (Cameron and Boyles, 2022).
Importantly, the project has generated new professional knowledge about the influences that impact how educators approach freedom with guidance in outdoor environments.
A further outcome of the project is that a new Froebelian network in East Kent & Medway has been set up to further support educators’ professional learning.
The Research Team
Dr Karen Vincent is a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies and Primary Education at Canterbury Christ Church University. Her experience as a teacher in a variety of school settings with a particular interest in the earliest years of learning, has led to her practice based pedagogical research interests.
Dr Marianna Papadopoulou teaches Early Childhood Studies students and leads several modules on Childhood Pathways at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Polly Bolshaw is a Senior Lecturer in Early Years at Canterbury Christ Church University.
