Time young children spend outside at (pre-) school

Abstract

This study was carried out to quantify the time young children spend outside in (pre-) school. Aware of the importance of children spending time outside, the study sought to determine how much time KGII and Year 1 students spend outside throughout a three-week period. KGII and Year 1 times were compared to determine which of the year groups spent more time outside. This was done by comparing scheduled time outside with implemented time outside, as recorded by both age groups. Moreover, this study identified the reasons behind the quantification of time, that is why scheduled time was not implemented and what early childhood educators thought about children spending time outside. The study used a descriptive approach to gather and analyse data. Time-logs were collected and interviews were administered. Both research tools were carried out with early childhood educators currently working in KGII and Year 1 classes. The study found that, in most instances, more time was spent outside than originally scheduled. In addition, the study revealed that Year 1 students spent more time outside than KGII students although the latter spent more recreational time outside. The ideal way forward, as envisaged by the participants, was for teachers to engage in training in the implementation of curricular learning in the outdoor environment, and the provision of facilities and regular maintenance.