Outdoor Activities in Preschool Education: Preschool Teachers' Beliefs and Practices

Outdoor activities have long-lasting positive influences on children’s development and learning. Children who have opportunities to engage in multiple such activities exhibit advantages in a range of developmental skills,... [ view full abstract ]

Outdoor activities have long-lasting positive influences on children’s development and learning. Children who have opportunities to engage in multiple such activities exhibit advantages in a range of developmental skills, including physical abilities, creativity, imagination and social relationships. Prior research emphasizes that activities in outdoor areas give children a sense of challenge and adventure, as well as opportunities to think and explore. In keeping with such findings, the preschool education curriculum in Turkey encourages outdoor as well as indoor activities. However, the type, frequency and quality of outdoor activities are influenced by teachers’ beliefs. It is therefore important to understand preschool teachers’ relevant beliefs in relation to their actual practices, if the quality of such activities is to be enhanced. Accordingly, this study collects and analyzes 20 Turkish preschool teachers’ beliefs and practices related to outdoor activities. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol developed by researchers, and the resulting data analyzed via the word-list technique. The findings of the study will be discussed at the 69^th OMEP World Assembly and International Conference.