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Seminar

MS Thesis Defense - Ann Spilker

Outdoor Play in Preschool Childern: Parent atttudes and loose part play in urban settings

Date:
Time:
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Zoom Seminar
Contact:
Lisa Pennisi, lpennisi2@unl.edu
Outdoor play is an important aspect of young children’s health social-cognitive development. However, play in natural environments is declining due to urbanization and various safety concerns. Many urban preschools have outdoor play spaces that lack natural elements that stimulate children’s autonomy, creativity, and imaginative play. Furthermore, parents who find outdoor environments intimidating and fraught with danger limit young children’s outdoor experiences that inhibit their motor fitness, socialization with peers, and ecological awareness.

Two qualitative case studies examined preschool children’s outdoor play. Study one focused on preschool children’s loose parts play in urban settings while study two examined parent’s attitudes towards outdoor play with young children. Key findings included that children engaged in dramatic play more with natural loose parts than manufactured loose parts. And playgrounds with age/developmentally appropriate equipment, barriers/fences, and open/centralized play spaces with clear views would make parents more comfortable in providing outdoor play.

https://unl.zoom.us/j/92574611663

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This event originated in School of Natural Resources.