The Impact of a Natural Playscape Installation on Young Children's Play Behaviors

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa P. Kuh ◽  
Iris Ponte ◽  
Clement Chau
Impact ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
pp. 16-18
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Kasama

Sandpits are commonly found in playgrounds but in a world full of high-tech entertainment is their role in the developmental growth of young children undervalued? Professor Hiroyuki Kasama, Doshisha Women's College, Japan, is exploring the impact of sandpits on children, including the role they can play in deepening the relationship between parent and child. Sandpits first came about in Europe in the mid-19th century but have recently become unfavourable to many parents who consider them to be 'dirty' play. However, playing with sand yields important benefits, including the use of natural materials and the fact it provides a valuable sensory experience that enables children to build on emotional, social and athletic skills. Kasama is investigating the important potential of sandpits as well as working on childcare and education programmes that use sandpits for learning. Kasama is keen to improve the sandpit environment by standardising the type of sand used in order to make play more effective and observing the suitability of the sand by observing children's play and the reactions of their caregivers. Kasama and the team have also supervised the installation of indoor sandpits that can be used year-round. Ultimately, by clarifying the significance and necessity of playing with sand and discovering its potential, Kasama is aiming to provide children with effective environments that promote growth and development.


1982 ◽  
Vol 55 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1109-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony D. Pellegrini

To investigate the development of preschoolers' social-cognitive play behaviors 10 preschoolers each at three ages, 2, 3, and 4 yr., were observed in their classrooms on 15 occasions by a time-sampling schedule. Children's social-cognitive behaviors were coded according to Parten and Smilansky's systems. Analyses indicated that children's play became more social as they grew older. 3- and 4-yr.-olds, however, engaged in more non-social dramatic play than did 2-yr.-olds. 3- and 4-yr.-old girls engaged in more non-social functional play than did boys. Boys, however, engaged in more non-social dramatic play than girls. Increased sampling is needed.


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