Teachers’ perceptions of outdoor play and imagination in Kindergarten
Subject
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the benefits of outdoor play for children, and then to dive deeper into teacher’s perceptions of the different imaginative experiences that outdoor play offers their students. The ultimate goal of this study was to build on existing research promoting the imaginative benefits of outdoor play, and to provide teachers and parents with another reason to get children outside playing. Quantitative and qualitative data were both collected and analyzed in this study. Recruitment for a 20-question survey was administered through the Kindergarten Connections Facebook page, where 26 educators responded from a variety of regions around British Columbia; participants’ indicated a wide range of teaching experience as well. Teachers were then given the option to complete a 10-question follow-up questionnaire; one participant additionally chose to take part in this process. The findings of this research indicate that not only did participants notice enhanced imagination while their students were playing outside, they also recognized physical, social, emotional, and other cognitive benefits in their students. The participants in this study are seeing these benefits, and contributing to their students’ Core Competency development and overall growth as a child.