Child Care and Early Education Research Connections

Skip to main content

Preschool children's social play and involvement in the outdoor environment

Description:
Research Findings: The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between social play and involvement in the outdoor preschool environment. The study included 173 children ranging in age from 3 to 6 years ([mean]age = 3.95, SD = 0.82) and attending 19 preschools in the Basque Country (Spain). A total of 51 teachers (50 women, 1 man) also participated. Our results indicated that there is a relationship between social participation and involvement and that group play is the type of play that best predicts greater involvement. No significant differences in levels of involvement were found between boys and girls, although gender was found to have a moderating effect on the relationship between the type of group play and involvement. Practice or Policy: The results are discussed with reference to the need to implement innovations in the outdoor preschool environment that have a positive effect on child development. The outdoor environment should promote social participation as well as gender equality and inclusion, and consequently it should be designed to offer both access to a natural environment and multiple opportunities for play. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Country:
Spain

- You May Also Like

These resources share similarities with the current selection.

Links between preschool children's social skills and observed pretend play in outdoor childcare environments

Reports & Papers

Preschool teachers' beliefs and practices of outdoor play and outdoor environments

Reports & Papers

Preschool children's outdoor play area preferences

Reports & Papers
Release: 'v1.61.0' | Built: 2024-04-23 23:03:38 EDT