Play for motor skills
Introduction and aim
Environmental characteristics of kindergarten outdoor surroundings are important for the development of kindergarten-aged children. There has been a growing interest in nature-based kindergartens. However, knowledge of the role of kindergarten playgrounds in developing children’s motor skills is limited.
In this pilot study we tested and compared motor skills of 3.5 to 5-years-old children in two kindergarten groups. The one kindergarten group had access to a traditional playground and the other kindergarten group had access to a nature-based playground.
What we expect
This study will help clarify what environmental characteristics of kindergarten outdoor surroundings are important for the development of kindergarten-aged children.
Results
The outcomes of the project led to two research articles:
- The role of playgrounds in the development of children’s fundamental movement skills: A scoping review
- Nature-Based or Traditional Kindergarten to Develop Fundamental Motor Skills? A Pilot Study
Drawing from these two articles, we have compiled the key results into two separate briefs, making research findings accessible to everyone. You can find them here:
Funding
This study is funded by KOMPAN and specifically includes public KOMPAN playgrounds.
Research Team
