Nature playscape for preeschoolers: what the parent says?
The outdoor recreation space or nature playscape is one of the settings where preschoolers can enjoy nature, play and explore the world. However, in Malaysia, research on learning with nature still needs to be explored, explicitly concerning parents’ perspectives, who will choose what is best for...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Faculty of Forestry and Environment Universiti Putra Malaysia
2023
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| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/121121/ http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/121121/1/121121_2023_Nature%20playscape%20for%20preeschoolers_%20what.pdf |
| Summary: | The outdoor recreation space or nature playscape is one of the settings where preschoolers can enjoy
nature, play and explore the world. However, in Malaysia, research on learning with nature still needs
to be explored, explicitly concerning parents’ perspectives, who will choose what is best for their
child in terms of space setting for nature play. Most research on the educational system emphasises
structured learning and more studies are needed to explore the importance of setting and nature
play. This preliminary study examines the parents’ view on preschoolers’ play behaviour with the
needs of nature playscape. A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted on Malaysian
parents (n=100) of children between ages 3 and 6 (preschoolers). This study found that preschoolers’
connection with nature and play in natural playscapes can offer various affordances, including
building resilience (68%), promoting physical development (66%), and creating opportunities
for discovery (66%). However, the need for supervision and the lack of natural space are the main
barriers to outdoor nature play for preschoolers. The study recommends further research to examine
the potential of outdoor recreation space features for preschoolers’ nature play development and
enhancement, to provide more diverse and quality outdoor recreation spaces to support preschoolers’
healthy development across the spectrum. |
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