Nature Playgardens as Sites for Early Childhood Education in a Tropical City
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| Title: | Nature Playgardens as Sites for Early Childhood Education in a Tropical City |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Angelia Sia, Sum Chee Wah, Christine Lim, Khoo Kai En, Kenneth Er Boon |
| Source: | International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education. 2024 12(1):40-49. |
| Availability: | North American Association for Environmnental Education. 1725 DeSales Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-419-0412; Web site: https://naturalstart.org/research |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Early Childhood Education Preschool Education |
| Descriptors: | Outdoor Education, Gardening, Play, Early Childhood Education, Foreign Countries, Preschool Children, Parks, Physical Environment, Well Being, Imagination, Discovery Learning, Affordances, Interpersonal Relationship, Psychological Patterns, Preschool Education |
| Geographic Terms: | Singapore |
| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
| Abstract: | Educators' perceptions play a crucial role in shaping children's experiences. This exploratory study aimed to gather feedback from preschool educators who had conducted lessons at a natural play space in Singapore. The study site, known as a Nature Playgarden, is a green space within a public park. Created mostly with natural materials, the Nature Playgarden offers a fun and enriching learning environment for children. Six preschool centers located within 10 kilometres radius of the site, consisting of 13 educators and 108 children, had lessons there. During the study period, a total of 22 sessions were carried out and data capturing educators' reflections of the children's outdoor experiences was collected after each session. The educators reported that the natural environment in the Nature Playgarden stimulated children's imaginations and encouraged exploration. The site offered affordances that supported children's wellbeing, social interactions, connection to nature and other aspects of children's learning. Additionally, the educators personally appreciated the site's natural surroundings and sense of calm. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1468673 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Educators' perceptions play a crucial role in shaping children's experiences. This exploratory study aimed to gather feedback from preschool educators who had conducted lessons at a natural play space in Singapore. The study site, known as a Nature Playgarden, is a green space within a public park. Created mostly with natural materials, the Nature Playgarden offers a fun and enriching learning environment for children. Six preschool centers located within 10 kilometres radius of the site, consisting of 13 educators and 108 children, had lessons there. During the study period, a total of 22 sessions were carried out and data capturing educators' reflections of the children's outdoor experiences was collected after each session. The educators reported that the natural environment in the Nature Playgarden stimulated children's imaginations and encouraged exploration. The site offered affordances that supported children's wellbeing, social interactions, connection to nature and other aspects of children's learning. Additionally, the educators personally appreciated the site's natural surroundings and sense of calm. |
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| ISSN: | 2331-0464 |
