I chose to explore the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (http://www.eecera.org/).
The article, “Introducing Children’s Perspectives and Participation in Research”, contains the work of seven authors from 6 different countries. The authors offer abstracts of their studies in which their attempts to understand some aspect of children’s learning and social interactions also shed light on the importance of obtaining children’s views and input into decisions regarding the best methods for maximizing their learning experiences (Harcourt & Einersdottir, 2011).
In “The dynamics of early childhood spaces: opportunities for outdoor play?”, the authors delve into the recent trend of diminished opportunities for outdoor play for children, its causes and results. The authors point to unsafe urban neighborhoods, more advanced and available recreational techonology, social and educational factors as the causes for this new definition of childhood. The article also discusses the ways in which different cultures have varying attitudes regarding outdoor play. For example, in Australia, a common concern among teachers is legal action resulting from a child’s injury incurred during outdoor play. In order to lessen the likelihood of this, outdoor play has been watered down. This results in the compromise of the children’s outdoor play experiences. On the other hand, Scandinavian preschool teachers, who mirror their cultural values of weather-hardiness and risk taking, are more likely to be less apprehensive about children’s outdoor adventures (Waller, et al., 2010).
I found a great deal of interesting perspectives about early childhood education in European countries on the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal’s website. I found it especially interesting that the articles indicated the researcher’s country of origin. This was helpful in understanding the variation in paradigms across Europe.
References
Harcourt,D., Einarsdottir, J. (2011). Introducing Children’s Perspectives and Participation in Research. European Education and Research Journal. 19(3), pp 301-7.
Waller,T., Beate, E., Sandseter,H., Wyver,S., Ärlemalm‐Hagsér, S., Maynard, T. (2010): The dynamics of early childhood spaces: opportunities for outdoor play?, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 18:4, 437-443
I think it is very interesting that a research topic on your site was one that was identified on my website: Early Childhood Australia. The topic of outdoors play was discussed with emphasis more so on how play is important to the development of the child. They researched Outdoor play: Does avoiding the risks reduce the benefits. People obviously have different views about play but I for one think the benefits outweigh the risks. Good post!!
ReplyDeleteThis website seems like it was very useful! I thought that it was interesting that they include the country of origin, it really does bring perspective to the ways other countries do things.
ReplyDeleteAbby
Careyann,
ReplyDeleteWith our cold weather here (and germs too) I see less and less of our playgrounds being used. Even on mild days the metal on the swingsets can be unbearable. So most places here are cutting back on outdoor play not due to temperatures, but due to parent's really not wanting their children to catch those cold and flu viruses. That shows another emphasis on the US's work ethic, and not being able to miss work, which sadly has to come before family here to survive.
Tina
Hi Careyann,
ReplyDeleteThis site sounds very interesting. Something a little further on Australian. I had a new parent from Australia who was with her child for the first couple of days. I make my own playdough and throw it out at the end of each day. She informed me that in Australian schools they throw it out after each use. Sometimes I wonder if we are being a little too particular.
We have an issue here with the air quality. There are so many days that we cannot go out. We are cautioned to going out even on 'red'days: to make it only 20 minutes, not to over exert and children with respiratory issues will stay inside. YUCK!!!!! and how on earth to tell a 3-6 year old not to over exert! We even talk about 'black' days. I do want to take the danger seriously but I think we also have to take seriously the spirit of the children in our care. Wise but not fearful.
Thanks for the info on this site.
Bobbie