Breaking Into The Playground

In Breaking Into The Playground, Carol Murdoch shares a host of ideas and resources that will help you break out of the classroom and into the playground. There are ideas covering every subject area for children aged 3 to 12 years old.

Carol is a teacher and an educational consultant. She believes the curriculum can and should be delivered outside and it can even reduce a teachers workload! There are lots of STEM ideas, engaging activities and reasons for you to get outside. Carol delves into the theory and policy supporting outdoor learning and delivers it in a simple manner, as one reader suggests, it is like having a cuppa with a good friend while exploring the world of outdoor learning.

This is an easy to pick up reference book filled with activities and photographs that are easy to dip into and low on resources and ideas to help you get outside today. What is more exciting is that you do not need green space, much of this can be delivered in concrete playgrounds – there is even a chapter on the Concrete Jungle!

Topics covered include every curricular area to gardening, kit required (which fits inside a backpack), risk assessing, a calendar for the year and more!

Breaking Into The Playground is suitable for early years and primary level educators (3-12 years old) who are ready to break out and make the most of their outdoor space!

‘Breaking into the Playground’ by Carol Murdoch is one of the most useful pieces of professional reading that I have ever came across. It is detailed, well written and includes an abundance of excellent ideas and lesson for all age groups. The author’s knowledge and passion for outdoor learning is demonstrated through the practical advice and explanation provided in this book. Anyone who is venturing outdoors with their class and are looking to embed outdoor learning into their lessons should get their hands on a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.

Alan Hepburn

Acting Depute Head Teacher, Kirklandpark Primary School, Strathaven

This is a great resource for teachers, practitioners and any childhood practice students who want to broaden their knowledge and understanding of outdoor learning in an easy to read guide. The practical lesson ideas separated into curricula areas provide clear guidance that can be used by both experienced and inexperienced practitioners alike and differentiated to suit the needs of all children. ,

Caroline Jarvis

Childhood Practice Lecturer, West Lothian College

A comprehensive book to put Outdoor learning on the map in your school – easy sections to help with panning, great suggestions to enhance learning outdoors and useful research to help staff understand the significance and importance for learning.

Kate Ringrose

Outdoor learning and sustainability coordinator, British School of Brussels