A breath Of Fresh Air
Diving Into Nature
By: Natasha Dixon
The Seven C’s According to Davidson (2016), the seven C’s can be used to create a quality outdoor learning environment for children. The seven C’s include challenge, clarity, chance, change, connectivity, context and character. The seven C’s act as a guide to help set up an environment that promotes learning and engagement for children in a developmentally appropriate way. This guide can be used by Early Childhood Educators, administrators, parents and community members. They are suggestions that highlight things to consider when the planning for an outdoor environment or when considering how to adapt an existing environment. Below is a list of what the seven C’s are and what they mean:
Is it essential to consider the seven C’s when creating an outdoor environment to ensure the space is appropriately designed to meet the needs of all children. According to Nichollas (2007), it is important to create an outdoor environment for children that promotes engagement because this may be their first exposure to an outdoor environment away from their primary caregivers. This shows the importance of creating an environment suitable for children to play, explore, learn, take risks, build character and overcome challenges. These are all basic play skills that children can practice in an effective outdoor space. When an environment is set up for success children can learn to challenge themselves by taking risks with the materials provided. This can include jumping off higher platforms. With ample materials children can manipulate and create different structures. They can use their creativity to come up with new and different ideas. Children can build connect their cognitive, physical, and visual skills as they engage in experiences that stimulate development in these domains. A large open area with minimal obstructions can provide more opportunity to build and explore. Dietze & Kashin (2018), suggest that an outdoor environment should include adequate, flexible and simple space. Dietze & Kashin (2018) suggest that visibility, expression, and engagement are essential qualities of an outdoor environment. These qualities directly relate to the seven C’s. Visibility is related to clarity as it involves ensuring the materials are easily accessible to the children. Expression and engagement relate to connectivity as the children are able to express themselves cognitively, socially, and emotionally in a safe environment. They can engage in their environment however they want. Overall, it is essential to consider the seven C’s when creating an outdoor environment to ensure the environment creates optimal learning experiences for children. Considering each “C” will help you understand and appreciate the outdoor environment. It can also help you come up with effective materials and strategies for a successfully environment to inspire learning and creativity. Relevant Resources: These resources highlight the seven C’s and how they can be implemented. It also has information about conferences, education, play and planning which can be useful in the early childhood education field. https://www.childinthecity.org/2016/04/05/an-information-guide-for-designing-outdoor-play-spaces/ file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/ubc_2007-0203a%20(1).pdf Dietze, B., & Kashin, D. (2018). Outdoor and nature play in early childhood education. North York, Ontario: Pearson Canada. Picture Resources: http://outdoorplaybook.ca/learn/play-research/the-7-cs/
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Natasha DixonThis blog is dedicated to diving into nature in every way, shape and form. I want to truly enjoy my time in Nature and further explore different aspects of nature. |