What is Playscape

Interactions with natural surroundings provide young children with an opportunity to build knowledge, promote social skills, develop emotional dispositions, and can help them develop a caring and positive attitude toward themselves and the environment. This chapter focuses on the partnership between Towson University College of Education and the campus-based University Child Care Center and their concerted effort to bring nature-based experiences to children in spaces both outside and inside their classrooms. The authors also provide specific examples of how recycled waste is used to create instructional materials and games that help the classroom community to become more eco-conscious. The chapter also includes suggestions for future educational research into how children interact and gain knowledge from the environment and the impact this has on children's growth and development. Recommendations are provided for early childhood educators to advocate for green spaces and include environmental activities for children, families, schools, and communities.