Research that Benefits Children and Families

            The research topic I am interested in is the benefits of children’s play/learning in a naturalized setting. There is more research out there then I originally thought, but the focus I would concentrate my study would be with programs in cities with limited natural space. The data would be collected in participating programs as they are right now. Then data collected after teacher training in the same programs and adding natural features to outside spaces. The purpose of this study would be to illustrate the gains in creative play, problem solving, child initiated experiences, expanded language and corporative play. All of these illustrated gains involve teacher support, asking open-ended questions and seeing play as an important part of academic growth.

        The benefits of this study would be creating quality-learning experiences for children of all socio-economical levels. This in turn would reduce the achievement gap when entering kindergarten. Benefits of teacher education on age appropriate open ended play as an important part of children’s development in all domains. Value would also come for communities to look at play spaces for young children in public parks and schoolyards. Many community natural spaces are built by the community itself, providing ownership and space for families to enjoy.

Topic of Research

Benefits of Naturalized Play Supported by Adults: Learning Experience for 3 and 4 years old Children in a Preschool Setting.

This is my topic; it has been transformed many times! I found it very difficult to narrow it down, and am not sure if I have achieved that? 

My large scope goal is to make quality child care accessible to all children. I had to back track quite a bit, because I think the way to achieve this is to have Universal Preschool. But one of the arguments against that is the fear of standardized assessments or implementing academic curriculum. I would like to emphasize play as an age appropriate learning tool to policy makers.

Because of my naturalist background and my hope to transform fixed plastic structures in playgrounds to naturalized play spaces, I must first illustrate the benefits of naturalized play. The more I have experienced and read, the only way nature play will happen successfully is by having teachers use this free, rich resource. This includes changing the perception that outdoor play is used as a teacher break, or that weather is bad.

I am really excited about this because it is my passion. I am apprehensive because there are so many pieces to the research puzzle. It helped me so much to use the texts 5 key points in writing a Literature Review, each article I read gave great examples. I am also getting great resources from the articles I am reading from the reference list. 

I welcome any suggestions or input!

Building Research

Hello All,
welcome and good luck in this current adventure.

3 Consequences of Learning

One of the professional and personal areas I learned from my New Zealand early childhood professional is, how similar our hopes and dreams for the children we serve.  We had the opportunity to skype with our classrooms this week. There is a day difference as well as a seasonal difference; school just started back after summer holiday for them. The children on both sides noted the clothing worn, t-shirts and shorts, where we all have turtlenecks and sweaters. The children’s smiling faces, all talking at once and sounding different, but all the same no matter which end of the earth we live. This was both a professional and personal joy, which ignites my passion for children, and families everywhere!

My second learning area is the form of assessments used in New Zealand, the learning stories. I will continue my contact with Sarah and plan on revising the portfolios we do in my program to eco more of the learning story format. Something the children have access to and build their own story through documentation, throughout the year.

The third area of learning is the human factor. Sarah just completed her two-year registration (we call practicum). She felt overwhelmed with the work and is relieved and excited to move forward with her career. I am currently feeling overwhelmed with my workload, but I’m sure the sense of relief will come. We are all in this field because we love the work, it doesn’t mean it is easy by any means but it is something we feel drawn to. I am grateful for this experience and meeting someone made from the same clothe to share and learn with.