Urban environments and outdoor learning

This chapter discusses the relationship between built environments and opportunities for children to be physically active and engage in outdoor play. Teachers will facilitate learning and as a group will have a strong knowledge base of all aspects of the town. Children and teachers will be involved in all town planning decisions. The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children is one of many studies to demonstrate that walking or cycling to school is limited. Researchers from many disciplines are interested in collective decisions to promote the creation of green spaces. GreenWay integrates light rail, cycling and walking with connections to recreational facilities that include spaces for outdoor play. Because of the health and social benefits, it is also important to ensure all members of the community can take advantage of green infrastructure rather than the disproportionate distribution of such spaces noted to occur in affluent communities in the United States and China.

Copyright © Helen Little, Sue Elliott and Shirley Wyver 2017

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