Grandparent-grandchild outdoor play enriches learning and appreciation of nature for both generations Outdoor play is essential for children’s healthy development and can also support the physical and mental well-being of older adults. While there is growing concern about declining engagement in outdoor play, this study proposes that an intergenerational approach could increase opportunities for outdoor play and benefit the mental and physical health of both children and elders. Few studies, however, have investigated how intergenerational outdoor play may support children’s development and learning between generations. To fill this gap, this study examined the learning that occurs between grandparents and their preschool-aged grandchildren through outdoor play. The study explored intergenerational outdoor play through a sociocultural theory of learning framework, which suggests that grandparents can serve as “play mentors” who facilitate their grandchildren's development.
A qualitative approach was utilized to explore grandparents’ experiences playing outdoors with their preschool-aged grandchild (age 3–5). Fourteen grandparents, including seven grandmothers and seven grandfathers, were recruited to participate in the study. The grandparents lived in the Metro Vancouver area or on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and were between 51 and 80 years old. Eleven grandparents identified as White, and three identified as Chinese. On average, the grandparents reported playing outdoors with their grandchild approximately five times per month. Each grandparent participated in a semi-structured interview that explored their perspectives of outdoor play and the mutual learning that occurred during outdoor play with their grandchild. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes emerging from the interview data to clarify grandparents’ perceptions of learning through outdoor play.
Analysis identified a total of nine themes. Six themes concerned grandchildren’s learning through outdoor play, two themes focused on what grandparents learned through outdoor play, and one theme revealed what grandparents and grandchildren learned together. Grandchildren’s learning included themes focused on safe engagement with risk, self-confidence and autonomy, social-emotional skills, physical skills, academic proficiencies, and cultural background. Outdoor play provided an opportunity for grandparents to guide their grandchildren through encounters with risk, such as crossing a stream. Guidance from grandparents helped grandchildren learn to safely navigate risks independently. Engaging with risk was perceived to foster grandchildren’s self-confidence and sense of autonomy over a challenge. Grandparents viewed outdoor play as an opportunity to teach their grandchildren social-emotional skills, especially how to regulate their emotions. Grandchildren also developed physical skills through outdoor play, with grandparents noting improved coordination, balance and gross motor skills. Some grandparents indicated that outdoor play provided an opportunity to teach academic proficiencies, such as the alphabet. The final area of grandchildren’s learning focused on connecting with their cultural backgrounds. Several grandparents highlighted teaching their grandchildren about their cultural heritage through outdoor play and song. Grandparents also reported their own learning through outdoor play. Grandparents shared that outdoor play with their grandchild helped them be more relaxed, mindful and present to enjoy the moment. Additionally, some grandmothers felt that outdoor play enabled them to learn more about their grandchildren and develop a closer relationship. Finally, outdoor play was perceived to support mutual learning by facilitating an appreciation of nature among both grandchildren and grandparents. Playing outdoors helped grandchildren and grandparents develop an understanding of nature and a sense of respect for nature. In some instances, grandparents discussed how their grandchild’s appreciation for nature helped to renew their own sense of appreciation.
The study reveals the unique learning opportunities that arise when grandparents and grandchildren play together outdoors. Findings highlight the importance of prioritizing grandparent-grandchild outdoor play to enrich the learning of both generations. Importantly, participation in outdoor play fostered an enhanced appreciation of nature among both grandparents and grandchildren. Findings suggest that “investing in initiatives that facilitate intergenerational learning and connection through outdoor play can help promote healthy outcomes across the lifespan.” The researchers recommend that psychologists, educators, and planners apply these insights to the development of intergenerational learning activities, such as outdoor play and environmental education initiatives. Findings may also inform campaigns that aim to encourage environmental awareness through multigenerational outdoor activities.
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