Unlocking the Power of Outdoor Play in Early Childhood Education
Outdoor play is more than just a fun activity for children; it's a critical component of their development. Recent research highlights the transformative impact of outdoor play on children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Yet, many early learning and childcare centers (ELCCs) face barriers to providing quality outdoor play opportunities. This blog explores the findings from the OutsidePlay Study, a web-based risk-reframing intervention designed to shift educators' attitudes and practices towards outdoor play.
The OutsidePlay Study: A Game-Changer for Educators
The OutsidePlay Study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia, developed a web-based intervention aimed at influencing early childhood educators' (ECEs) and administrators' perceptions and practices in support of children's outdoor play. The study used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention.
Key Findings and Implications
The primary outcome of the study was an increased tolerance of risk in children's play, as measured by the Teacher Tolerance of Risk in Play Scale. The intervention guided users through a personalized journey, split into three chapters, each focusing on different aspects of outdoor play and risk management.
- Chapter 1: Reflection - Encouraged educators to reflect on their own childhood play experiences and current practices.
- Chapter 2: Interactive Video Scenarios - Provided real-life scenarios to help educators navigate common challenges in outdoor play.
- Chapter 3: Creating Your Plan - Assisted educators in setting achievable goals to enhance outdoor play opportunities at their centers.
The intervention's success in increasing educators' tolerance for risk in play suggests that such web-based tools can effectively address barriers to outdoor play in ELCC settings. By reframing perceptions of risk, educators can create more enriching and safe play environments that support children's holistic development.
Why This Matters
Outdoor play is essential for fostering self-confidence, social skills, and physical health in children. The decline in outdoor play, exacerbated by safety concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, poses significant risks to children's well-being. The OutsidePlay intervention offers a scalable solution to these challenges, empowering educators to support outdoor play effectively.
How You Can Get Involved
As a practitioner, you can enhance your skills by implementing the outcomes of the OutsidePlay Study. Consider participating in similar interventions or conducting further research to explore innovative ways to support outdoor play in your educational setting. By doing so, you contribute to creating a more balanced and enriching learning environment for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Web-Based Risk-Reframing Intervention to Influence Early Childhood Educators’ Attitudes and Supportive Behaviors Toward Outdoor Play: Protocol for the OutsidePlay Study Randomized Controlled Trial.
