Abstract


This cross-cultural multiple case study investigates the approaches of educators in nature-based preschools in Turkey and Germany towards risky play, exploring factors influencing play behaviours and educator roles. Four educators from Turkey and three educators from Germany participated in the study. Through qualitative analysis of interviews and observations, three themes emerged: factors affecting play (including age, gender, environment, and cultural norms), educator roles (pre-play, during play, post-play), and risky play requirements (rules, risk management). Findings reveal cultural differences in attitudes towards risk, the impact of policy frameworks on practice, and the importance of professional development for educators. Policy implications include the need for supportive regulations promoting outdoor play, while future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess long-term outcomes of risky play and explore innovative approaches to risk management. This study underscores the importance of creating environments that empower children to engage in enriching, developmentally appropriate play experiences while ensuring their safety and well-being.

Authors: Deniz, U.H. & Cevher Kalburan, N.

Journal: European Journal of Education

Year: 2025

Similar Articles



Projects

Explore our institute’s active engagement in developing playgrounds’ future through innovative research and current projects.


Briefs

We are dedicated to sharing valuable insights from research studies and reviews through concise and accessible publications.


Articles

Explore our article database for a comprehensive array of global research and insights, offering diverse perspectives and knowledge.


News

Stay up-to-date and engaged through the latest news, project updates, events, and activities specific to playground research.

Hi there 👋

We would love to get to know you better! Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions so we can improve our website.