Απόψεις και πρακτικές νηπιαγωγών όσον αφορά το ελεύθερο παιχνίδι σε εξωτερικούς χώρους και την ανάπτυξη των κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων μέσω αυτού

Abstract

Play and children’s development are the two basic themes central to the early years’ educator’s world. It is generally agreed that free outdoor play is important for children, for their wellbeing, as well as the development of their social skills. The aim of this study is to explore Greek nursery teachers’ perceptions and practices about the role of free outdoor play for the development of children’s social skills ages between 4 to 6 years old. In this qualitative research 7 early years teachers from Attica and Mytilene were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results suggest that educators are informed about the positive effects of free outdoor play in children’s holistic development and more specifically, in children’s social development. The social skills that children develop through free outdoor play, as recognised by educators, are collaboration, teamwork, clustering, mutual assistance, exchange and the ability to negotiate, patience, compliance, management of rejection and communication. This study also focused on the barriers that educators face in order to provide opportunities for free outdoor play, including lack of space and education on the topic. There is a need for educators’ further professional development on methods and techniques that educators can use in children’s free outdoor play in order to promote children’s social skills. Finally the need for suitable outdoor spaces is highlighted.