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- Title
Calm active and focused: Children's responses to an organic outdoor learning environment.
- Authors
Nedovic, Sonya; Morrissey, Anne-Marie
- Abstract
This study reports on children's observed responses to natural features introduced in the redevelopment of a childcare centre garden. Using an action research approach, the redevelopment was based on the preferences of the director, staff and 18 three- to four-year-olds, as expressed through interviews, conversations, photographs and drawings. Adults and children overwhelmingly preferred natural elements. The kindergarten teacher and assistant observed children's responses to the implementation of features including a teepee, mulch, greenery, flowers, and loose organic materials. In follow-up interviews, they reported positive child responses including: richer imaginative play; increased physical activity; calmer, more focused play; and positive social interactions. These findings provide further evidence of the importance of providing children with naturalized outdoor play spaces.
- Subjects
OUTDOOR education; NATURE study; DAY care centers; CHILD psychology; TEACHING aids; SOCIAL interaction
- Publication
Learning Environments Research, 2013, Vol 16, Issue 2, p281
- ISSN
1387-1579
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10984-013-9127-9