Outdoor play is often recognized as an important contributor to children's physical development. A concern addressed in this study is that play spaces designed expressly for physical activity may not address the needs of less active children and fail to promote other forms of play.
This study was framed around Gibson's theory of affordances, which suggests that “the environment and the objects and features of that environment afford the possibilities for numerous types of actions.” Related research shows that natural play spaces and natural elements increase affordances for play and tend to engage a greater proportion of children and for longer periods of time. Researchers used the Seven Cs framework to install natural, challenging materials in the outdoor play spaces of two preschool centers that were lacking these elements. The Seven Cs framework considers character, context, connectivity, clarity, change, chance, and challenge of the outdoor play environment. This study compared children's movement at each of the centers before and after the installation of the natural materials. Data collection methods included accelerometry, videotaping, and focus group discussions with staff.
Preliminary analysis of the data showed changes in the patterns of children's movement, directionality, and pauses before and after installation. Prior to the installation, children were more likely to rapidly shift from one activity space to another and to engage in repetitive movements, such as pacing back and forth. After installation, there were more pauses in children's movements and more complex and intense engagement with elements in the environment. Staff, before the installation of the more natural environment, noted children's limited ability to play on their own. They tended to rely on adults to create play experiences for them. After the installations, staff at both centers reported that children were less bored and more engaged in self-directed play.
These preliminary findings add to the evidence supporting the positive connection between children's diverse play and natural play spaces. This research also supports the utility of the Seven Cs in promoting affordances for play.
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