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Askerlund, P., Almers, E., Tuvendal, M. & Waite, S. (2024). Growing nature connection through greening schoolyards: preschool teachers’ response to ecosystem services innovations. Education 3-13, 52(8), 1341-1352
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Growing nature connection through greening schoolyards: preschool teachers’ response to ecosystem services innovations
2024 (English)In: Education 3-13, ISSN 0300-4279, E-ISSN 1475-7575, Vol. 52, no 8, p. 1341-1352Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This article reports how Swedish teachers' aims and practices were modified by an ecosystem services development project that introduced insect hotels, bird boxes and planting to ten preschool yards. Teachers' understanding of ecosystem services, human-nature relationships and the impact of these on nature connectedness showed that their conceptualisations of human-nature relationships were shifting and complex, reflecting overlapping ideas about what schoolyard ecosystem services might mean to/for young children and how children's connection with nature might best be supported. The findings suggest creating pockets of urban nature in schoolyards is a useful strategy to unpack some of this complexity through direct experience of ecosystems encouraging interest in, concern for and understanding of our mutuality with nature.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
Environmental education, schoolyard development, ecosystem services, nature connectedness, human–nature relations
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-58967 (URN)10.1080/03004279.2022.2148485 (DOI)000888929100001 ()2-s2.0-85142428439 (Scopus ID)HOA;;58967 (Local ID)HOA;;58967 (Archive number)HOA;;58967 (OAI)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, [2016-20101
Available from: 2022-11-22 Created: 2022-11-22 Last updated: 2025-06-09Bibliographically approved
Richardson, T., Waite, S., Askerlund, P., Almers, E. & Hvit Lindstrand, S. (2024). How does nature support early language learning?: A systematic literature review. Early years, 44(3-4), 680-709
Open this publication in new window or tab >>How does nature support early language learning?: A systematic literature review
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2024 (English)In: Early years, ISSN 0957-5146, E-ISSN 1472-4421, Vol. 44, no 3-4, p. 680-709Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

The way a young child uses language has an impact on their future life. Early language acquisition is a determinant in adult employment, mental health and relationships with others. At the same time there is a broad evidence base that play and learning in the natural environment is beneficial for young children's physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. However, literature about how these two contributions to children's early development intersect and combine, in particular whether and how early language learning in children aged between 3 and 7 years might be enhanced in nature, is harder to find. For this paper, we undertook a systematic literature review to explore and report on research within this important area. Based on an in-depth study of 181 articles, we found that scant literature exists about how children's language is developed within natural environments. Although this appears to be a topic that is discussed in practice-oriented publications, it was found that very few researchers are focusing on and reporting within this area. Twelve papers were thoroughly analysed and three themes identified and discussed; desire to communicate, communication skills and literacy skills. This paper concludes by suggesting areas for future research.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2024
Keywords
nature, speech and language development, systematic literature review, forest school, natural environments, early childhood
National Category
Educational Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-61605 (URN)10.1080/09575146.2023.2220978 (DOI)001014728500001 ()2-s2.0-85163222757 (Scopus ID);intsam;888022 (Local ID);intsam;888022 (Archive number);intsam;888022 (OAI)
Available from: 2023-06-26 Created: 2023-06-26 Last updated: 2025-02-18Bibliographically approved
Kokalj, I., Kejžar, B., Sack, C., Waite, S., Askerlund, P. & Vollmar, M. (Eds.). (2023). Early language development in nature: Practical handbook. Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Early language development in nature: Practical handbook
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2023 (English)Collection (editor) (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD), 2023. p. 82
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63271 (URN)978-961-95963-3-3 (ISBN)
Note

Practical handbook to Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook by Sue Waite & Per Askerlund (eds.).

Available from: 2024-01-10 Created: 2024-01-10 Last updated: 2024-01-10Bibliographically approved
Waite, S. & Askerlund, P. (Eds.). (2023). Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook. Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook
2023 (English)Collection (editor) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

This theoretical handbook draws together the theory and evidence underpinning the practical outputs of the project: the training programme and the practical handbook.

It comprises four main parts:

  • The first provides a review of relevant literature on early language development and a rationale for why language development in nature may be beneficial for young children. It summarises existing literature that looks at early language development in nature.
  • In Part 2, our integrated formative evaluation process and its results are reported and discussed. In the final part of this section, we bring together some key points from our examination of theory and research to support the value of early language development in nature, summarising the new learning that has been achieved through the ELaDiNa project.
  • The third part sets out a generic model that has been developed from what is currently known about this field, (Part 1), what we learnt from the ElaDiNa Project and its evaluation (Part 2) and from previous experience of a pilot project conducted in Marburg, Germany that formed the initial seed from which our ElaDiNa project grew.
  • In concluding this theoretical handbook in Part 4, we summarise the successes and challenges of the project, its main learning points and suggest some implications for policy, practice and further research.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD), 2023. p. 226
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63265 (URN)978-961-95963-7-1 (ISBN)
Available from: 2024-01-10 Created: 2024-01-10 Last updated: 2024-01-10Bibliographically approved
Waite, S. & Askerlund, P. (2023). The evaluation. In: S. Waite & P. Askerlund (Ed.), Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook (pp. 61-125). Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The evaluation
2023 (English)In: Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook / [ed] S. Waite & P. Askerlund, Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD) , 2023, p. 61-125Chapter in book (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

In Part 2, we report on the evaluative research which was conducted by the ELaDiNa team to explore the success of the project and refine our understanding of some of the links between early language development aspects and natural environment features.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD), 2023
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63276 (URN)978-961-95963-7-1 (ISBN)
Available from: 2024-01-10 Created: 2024-01-10 Last updated: 2024-01-10Bibliographically approved
Almers, E., Askerlund, P. & Samuelsson, T. (2023). The perfect schoolyard for future children: Primary school children’s participation in envisioning workshops. Children, Youth and Environments, 33(1), 101-121
Open this publication in new window or tab >>The perfect schoolyard for future children: Primary school children’s participation in envisioning workshops
2023 (English)In: Children, Youth and Environments, E-ISSN 1546-2250, Vol. 33, no 1, p. 101-121Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This Swedish study investigates how primary school children’s perspectives on a “good schoolyard” can be illuminated through envisioning workshops using model-making. In addition to advocating for the qualities and affordances of the standard schoolyard equipment, children also suggested and constructed new features affording playing with domestic animals, being in peace and quiet in tree houses, picking fruit, and using digital playgrounds.For the children to go beyond reproducing the features, environmental qualities, and affordances of their current schoolyards, they needed plenty of time for communication and hands-on activities, opportunities to relax, imagine, and receive input and inspiration from others’ experiences.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
University of Cincinnati, 2023
Keywords
envisioning, primary school, schoolyard, affordances, environmental qualities, model-making, participatory envisioning workshop
National Category
Pedagogical Work
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-59972 (URN)10.1353/cye.2023.0002 (DOI)
Available from: 2023-03-10 Created: 2023-03-10 Last updated: 2023-04-27Bibliographically approved
Kokalj, I., Kejžar, B., Sack, C., Waite, S., Askerlund, P. & Vollmar, M. (Eds.). (2023). Tidig språkutveckling i naturen: Praktisk handbok. Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Tidig språkutveckling i naturen: Praktisk handbok
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2023 (Swedish)Collection (editor) (Other academic)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Ljubljana: Center šolskih in obšolskih dejavnosti (CŠOD), 2023. p. 82
National Category
Pedagogy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-63268 (URN)978-961-95963-6-4 (ISBN)
Note

Praktisk handbok till Early language development in nature: Theoretical handbook av Sue Waite & Per Askerlund (red.).

Available from: 2024-01-10 Created: 2024-01-10 Last updated: 2024-01-10Bibliographically approved
Almers, E., Askerlund, P., Samuelsson, T. & Waite, S. (2021). Children’s preferences for schoolyard features and understanding of ecosystem service innovations – a study in five Swedish preschools. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 21(3), 230-246
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Children’s preferences for schoolyard features and understanding of ecosystem service innovations – a study in five Swedish preschools
2021 (English)In: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, ISSN 1472-9679, E-ISSN 1754-0402, Vol. 21, no 3, p. 230-246Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

This study was carried out within a project to promote health and ecosystem services, ?the benefits people obtain from ecosystems?, in preschools in Sweden. The paper applies the concept ?affordance? to capture the functional meaning that children assign to different material aspects of their schoolyards before and after the installation of additional environmental features. The findings from walk-and-talks with 23 preschool children highlight what features children preferred in their yards and why. Few children showed spontaneous attention to the installed features, e.g. insect hotels. This might be more because children were not enough involved within the schoolyard development and experienced little guided exploration of environmental affordances, rather than a lack of interest per se. Given this, we suggest that development projects to upgrade schoolyards for improved ecosystem services should involve children in the design of the ecosystem services promoting features throughout the development work, and thereby, integrally, promote ecological literacy.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2021
Keywords
Outdoor environment, affordance, schoolyard, ecosystem services, preschool
National Category
Educational Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-48863 (URN)10.1080/14729679.2020.1773879 (DOI)000543440000001 ()2-s2.0-85087055103 (Scopus ID)HOA;;1435506 (Local ID)HOA;;1435506 (Archive number)HOA;;1435506 (OAI)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2016-20101
Available from: 2020-06-05 Created: 2020-06-05 Last updated: 2022-07-22Bibliographically approved
Askerlund, P. & Almers, E. (2019). Det är den digitala kompetensen som måste utvecklas. Jönköpings-Posten (30 november)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Det är den digitala kompetensen som måste utvecklas
2019 (Swedish)In: Jönköpings-Posten, ISSN 1103-9469, no 30 novemberArticle in journal, News item (Other (popular science, discussion, etc.)) Published
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Jönköping: Hall Media, 2019
National Category
Educational Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-47155 (URN)
Note

Replik till Peter Hallgrens debattinlägg "Våra barn riskerar att hamna i ett digitalt utanförskap" i Jönköpings-Posten, 2019-11-23. 

Available from: 2019-12-18 Created: 2019-12-18 Last updated: 2019-12-18Bibliographically approved
Hammarsten, M., Askerlund, P., Almers, E., Avery, H. & Samuelsson, T. (2019). Developing ecological literacy in a forest garden: children’s perspectives. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 19(3), 227-241
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Developing ecological literacy in a forest garden: children’s perspectives
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2019 (English)In: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, ISSN 1472-9679, E-ISSN 1754-0402, Vol. 19, no 3, p. 227-241Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Today, cities become more dense, green spaces disappear and children spend less time outdoors. Research suggests that these conditions create health problems and lack of ecological literacy. To reverse such trends, localities are creating urban green spaces for children to visit during school time. Drawing on ideas in ecological literacy, this study investigates school children’s perspectives on a forest garden, a type of outdoor educational setting previously only scarcely researched. Data were collected through walk-and-talk conversations and informal interviews with 28 children aged 7 to 9. Many children in the study expressed strong positive feelings about the forest garden, the organized and spontaneous activities there, and caring for the organisms living there. We observed three aspects of learning in the data, potentially beneficial for the development of children’s ecological literacy: practical competence, learning how to co-exist and care, and biological knowledge and ecological understanding.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Taylor & Francis, 2019
Keywords
forest garden; social Studies of childhood; children’s perspectives; walk-and-talk conversations; ecological literacy
National Category
Didactics
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-41474 (URN)10.1080/14729679.2018.1517371 (DOI)000470670800004 ()2-s2.0-85053503238 (Scopus ID)HOA HLK 2019 (Local ID)HOA HLK 2019 (Archive number)HOA HLK 2019 (OAI)
Note

The article was awarded the Sustainability & Diversity Award at the Shaping our Future - JU Sustainability Festival on 3 October 2019.

Available from: 2018-09-17 Created: 2018-09-17 Last updated: 2024-05-07Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0003-0117-2974

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