ERIC Number: EJ1382430
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1472-9679
EISSN: EISSN-1754-0402
Available Date: N/A
Exploring Outdoor Play: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Quality of Preschool Play Environments and Teacher Perceptions of Risky Play
LeMasters, Annie C.; Vandermaas-Peeler, Maureen
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, v23 n1 p1-13 2023
Risky play, accompanied by thrilling feelings with real or perceived risks, is beneficial for children's development. Playground quality and teachers' attitudes about risk can influence preschoolers' risky play opportunities. In this study, 10 U.S. preschools' outdoor environments were rated using the Seven Cs Scale. Playgrounds scored lowest in challenge, demonstrating a lack of risky play opportunities and highest in context and connectivity, exhibiting adequate safety measures and pathways. The Tolerance for Risk in Play Scale was used to assess 58 teachers' attitudes. The average score was 29 (on a scale of 0 to 100, highest risk tolerance). Across risky play categories, teachers were most accepting of rough-and-tumble play and least accepting of play with dangerous tools. During a focus group, teachers also expressed concerns regarding overly restrictive safety regulations. The findings highlight the need for further teacher education concerning risky play.
Descriptors: Play, Preschool Education, Playgrounds, Risk, Teacher Attitudes, School Safety, Natural Resources, Preschool Children, Socioeconomic Status, Barriers, Child Safety, Preschool Teachers
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A