Learning Through Adventurous Activities: 75 Lesson Ideas to Engage Boys and Girls

In the first years at school many children find it challenging to sit in a classroom for long periods of time, to listen and concentrate. Young children are programmed to be active and physical, to play and to learn experientially, to use their whole body and all their senses in their explorations of how the world works. By investigating and being adventurous, by trying things for themselves, children work it out. They cultivate an inquisitiveness that is essential for learning and they begin to be able to calculate risk for themselves. Learning through Adventurous Activities is a collection of lesson ideas that aim to make learning practical, exciting and fun, often outside and often involving physical activity. How to use Learning through Adventurous Activities: Learning through Adventurous Activities is divided into two main sections: Section one: This section looks at research on how children learn and why boys and girls need to be given different opportunities in order to be treated equally. There are full references for the research evidence if you wish to pursue the pedagogical implications of using these activities. Also included in this section is information on leadership in the context of these activities, with detailed advice on planning at a whole-school and class level. Further information on assessment, progression and differentiation ensures that the needs of the individual child are met. Section two: The majority of the book is made up of 75 adventurous activities. Each activity has a detailed list of instructions for preparation and materials that you will need to carry out the activity successfully. Appendices: There is also a wealth of practical information that will allow you to find all the resources and support you need to make your school an adventurous school. The activities in the book are arranged in themes to help you quickly locate the activities that will fit in with your class work. Each theme section opens with an introduction. There are details of National Curriculum links and general health and safety advice for that section. There are also literacy links. Part of the philosophy of the book is that reading and writing, speaking and listening should emerge from practical and exciting learning experiences. The literacy links show you how to do this.

Table of Contents:
The activities are divided into nine themes: Nature; Science; Art; Woodcraft; Role-play; Design and Technology; Gardening; Our wonderful world; Small world play.