Parents’ Perceptions of Preschool Activities: Exploring Outdoor Play

Abstract

Research Findings Outdoor play is important for children’s health and development, yet many preschool-aged children in childcare settings do not receive the recommended 60 minutes/day of outdoor play. Childcare providers have previously described parent-related barriers to increasing outdoor playtime, including parents not providing appropriate clothing for their children and parents’ preference for academics over active play. This study explored parent perceptions and knowledge of outdoor playtime in childcare environments. On average, parents reported wanting their child to spend significantly more time playing outside during a full day of childcare than the recommended minimum. However, over one-half of parents reported that they did not know how much time their child actually spent playing outside and 43% reported that they did not know their childcare center’s outdoor play policies. Practice or Policy Childcare providers may over-perceive parent-related barriers to outdoor play. Parents generally support outdoor play for their preschooler during center-based childcare but are not well informed about outdoor playtime and policies. Encouraging communication between parents and early childhood educators about these topics could lead to more universal support and strategies for promoting outdoor and active play opportunities for children which are important for their health and development.

A comparison of parent and childcare provider's attitudes and perceptions about preschoolers' physical activity and outdoor time

“…With only 2% of parents agreeing with the idea that physical activity takes away time from learning opportunities, there may be greater than previously expected parental support for strategies to increase active playtime. A previous study found, however, that almost 80% of preschooler's parents reported no dialogue around the topic of outdoor play with their childcare provider (Jayasuriya et al 2016). These findings highlight the need to increase communication around and support of physical activity from all of the adults with whom young children interact.…”

“…A previous study found, however, that almost 80% of preschooler's parents reported no dialogue around the topic of outdoor play with their childcare provider (Jayasuriya et al . ). These findings highlight the need to increase communication around and support of physical activity from all of the adults with whom young children interact.…”

Uma reflexão sobre um processo de transformação de práticas pedagógicas nos espaços exteriores em contextos de educação de infância

“…A aceitação e envolvimento das famílias nas práticas pedagógicas no exterior afigurase como um fator determinante no processo de transformação. Frequentemente, são referidos entraves colocados pelas famílias perante situações de roupas sujas, joelhos arranhados ou outras mazelas, constipações, etc., optando-se, assim, pela permanência no interior das salas, onde os profissionais se sentem mais seguros e em controlo da situação (Bento, 2017;Jayasuriya, Williams, Edwards, & Tandon, 2016).…”

“…Contradizendo as expectativas iniciais, as famílias apreciaram o investimento no brincar no exterior e colaboraram nas próprias transformações físicas dos espaços. Tal como é relatado noutros estudos (Jayasuriya et al, 2016;Vandermaas-Peeler, Dean, Biehl, & Mellman, 2019), o apoio das famílias em relação ao brincar no espaço exterior deve ser abordado, respeitando valores socioculturais, expectativas e prioridades dos pais em relação ao contexto educativo. A partilha e discussão destas dimensões entre famílias e profissionais poderá facilitar a adesão às iniciativas de promoção de experiências de brincar ao ar livre, sendo crucial que os pais sejam compreendidos como aliados no processo educativo e não como obstáculos para a concretização das intenções pedagógicas dos profissionais.…”

Implementation of continuous free play schedules in Australian childcare services: A cross‐sectional study

“…Findings from systematic reviews and randomised trials indicate that providing opportunities for active play during childcare can result in improvements in child physical activity levels . For example, modifying the scheduling of physical activity opportunities to provide children with more frequent opportunities for outdoor free play has been demonstrated to increase the level of overall child physical activity in care . In addition, a systematic review of the physical activity levels of children during indoor and outdoor play periods at childcare found that children spent almost half (48% [33%‐55%]) of their outdoor play time engaging in physical activity, compared to less than 10% of indoor play time being active .…”