Dirty Teaching A Beginner's Guide to Learning Outdoors

"Once again the sound common sense that we have grown to expect from Juliet Robertson. Dirty Teaching recognises that the most effective way to embed teaching and learning in the outdoors is not to create huge quantities of resources but to plant seeds so that teachers can grow their own ideas. The book reflects the current research which suggests that the real barriers to teaching outside are not weather, wind and wellies but confidence and competence. Easy to dip into for inspiration but also compelling to read as a narrative that engages and informs in equal measure. The book starts from the premise that teachers can teach, and want to do so to the very best of their ability for the benefit of their pupils. Underpinned by a relational philosophy but rooted in practical demonstration and experimentation, Juliet takes us on a journey from understanding why the outdoors is so important to introducing and mainstreaming being outside into every day teaching practice without losing any sense of awe and wonder."
– Juno Hollyhock, Executive Director, Learning through Landscapes

"Dirty Teaching provides so much more than practical outdoor learning ideas that can work in and beyond school grounds; it draws on Juliet's extensive UK and international experiences to encourage reflection, evaluation and an informed and thoughtful approach to evolving one's practice. Juliet understands teachers, believes in their creative abilities to adapt learning to individual needs and appreciates that children behave differently in the outdoors. She also believes that deep learning draws on authentic, meaningful and relevant experiences [...] enabled through trusting relationships. The compelling way that Juliet leads us through; an overview of principles and practice; a host of wonderful activities; ideas for collaborative reflection and then tackles; concrete jungles; worries and fears; embedding outdoor learning and developing a whole school approach, shows that she fully appreciates the massive developmental continuum that exists in schools. Dirty Teaching is a beautiful and useful book that incorporates photos, questions, helpful checklists and links to further reading and resources. The activity ideas are grouped as a number of themes that include; creating, construction, adventure, exploration and care. These are then helpfully cross-referenced to curriculum and topic areas, meaning that the book is as useful as a quick source of ideas as an enjoyable read for those who are committed to enabling enthralling long-term learning for their children! In Dirty Teaching, Juliet's personal philosophy shines through. She is positive, endlessly creative and, above all, inclusive in her approach. This book is certainly not just a book for the beginner, to whom it will be accessible, encouraging and informative, it will also be inspiring and stimulating to the experienced practitioner."
– Sue Falch-Lovesey, Head of Environmental and Outdoor Learning, Norfolk County Council

"Given all that Juliet Robertson has done through her outstanding blog and her development work, I should have expected her book to be outstanding and it is. Part manifesto for outdoor learning and part manual, she makes the case for outdoor learning and provides the advice, ideas and questions that allow teachers to deliver on it. I was convinced all over again of the value of learning everywhere, of the power of the outdoors and this book made me feel totally equipped to take advantage of that AND it is just a great book about learning with children."
– The Real David Cameron, Education Consultant