Pedagogic and didactic practice in relation to kindergarten environment. Results from the ODIN study

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative study was to investigate the pedagogic and didactic practise of outdoor kindergarten environment as compared to conventional kindergarten environment in rotation kindergartens. Qualitative data were collected in four kindergartens through eight semi-structured interviews and observations of activities among the children and preschool teachers. Four themes emerged from the analyzed interviews: 1. Imagination and immersion, 2. Risky games 3. Motor skills, and 4. The role of the preschool teacher. This study highlights that the children moved more versatilely in the outdoor environment. There were greater opportunities for gross motor games and risky games. In addition, there were more time for immersion and imagination in the outdoor environment.

Keywords

• movement activities
• outdoor learning
• risky play
• fantasy
• immersion
• kindergarten