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ERIC Number: EJ1313005
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2331-0464
EISSN: N/A
Nature Preschool as a Promoter of Physical Activity in Young Children: An Exploratory Study of Nature Preschool in a Northern Climate
Ernst, Julie; Burgess, Eva; Bruno, Lexi
International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education, v8 n3 p3-19 Sum 2021
Preschools and other early childhood education and care settings are influential in the promotion of physical activity (PA) for young children. This study utilized the Yamax Digiwalker pedometer within a quasi-experimental design to quantitatively explore the influence of nature preschools on the PA of 154 preschool-aged children. Results suggest that nature preschools support sufficient PA; furthermore, participants were able to achieve recommended PA during cold and wet months through unstructured nature play. These findings suggest that nature preschools support PA, even during winter months. The results also point to the important role unstructured nature play has in supporting children's physical activity and overall well-being. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.
North American Association for Environmnental Education. 1725 DeSales Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-419-0412; Web site: https://naturalstart.org/research
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A