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ERIC Number: EJ1388946
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-293X
EISSN: EISSN-1752-1807
Toddler Play Preferences and the Teacher's Role in the Outdoor Play Environment
Chen, Keting; Hamel, Erin E.
European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, v31 n3 p376-398 2023
Direct experience with nature is a primary component of environmental education and especially beneficial for young children. The present study examined the outdoor play preferences of toddlers and investigated the role teachers play in the outdoor space. Toddlers' outdoor play was video recorded by GoPro cameras and coded for preferred play locations and initiator of the play. Results showed that the three most preferred spaces for toddlers in the outdoor classroom were the sandbox, swing area, and play structures; least frequently visited were open areas close to the classrooms, the garden, and the tree area. In addition, toddlers initiated play 71% of the time whereas teachers initiated approximately 11% of the time and mostly in the swing area. Findings indicate that teachers may play a role in where toddlers prefer to play. Implications for teacher preparation regarding environmental education are discussed.
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A