Highlights
• The Seven Cs outdoor play space design criteria improved play in two child cares.
• Natural materials increased affordances for play.
• Children’s depressed affect, antisocial behaviour and physical activity decreased.
• Independent play and prosocial behaviours increased.
• Early Childhood Educators observed improved behaviours and well-being.
Abstract
The outdoor space at childcare centres can be many preschoolers’ primary experience of outdoor play. Trends prioritizing risk reduction have diminished access to nature and risky play. We examined the effects of an intervention to increase opportunities for nature and risky play in the outdoor play environments of two childcare centres using a repeated measures mixed methods design. We used the Seven Cs play space design criteria, adding natural materials to enhance affordances for play. We measured changes in play, social behaviour, psychological wellbeing, and physical activity in 45 children aged 2 to 5. Findings indicated significant decreases in depressed affect, antisocial behaviour and moderate to vigorous physical activity, and increases in play with natural materials, independent play, and prosocial behaviours. Early Childhood Educators observed improved socialization, problem-solving, focus, self-regulation, creativity and self-confidence, and reduced stress, boredom and injury. Outdoor play spaces are important for promoting children’s wellbeing and development.
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References:
MarianaBrussoniabcdTakuroIshikawacdSaraBrunelleceSusanHerringtone
- a
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 2D19–4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3V4, Canada
- b
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- c
- British Columbia Injury Research & Prevention Unit, F508–4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3V4, Canada
- d
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- e
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, 379–2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada