Encouraging play in the natural environment: a child-focused case study of Forest School |
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| Authors: | Nicola D Ridgers Zoe R Knowles Jo Sayers |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research , Deakin University , 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria , 3125 , Australia;2. Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences , Liverpool John Moores University , Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool , L3 3AF , UK;3. REACH Group , Liverpool John Moores University , 2 Rodney St, Liverpool, Merseyside, Liverpool , L1 2UA , UK;4. The Mersey Forest , Risley Moss, Ordnance Avenue, Birchwood, Warrington , WA3 6QX , UK |
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| Abstract: | There is concern that children are becoming disengaged from the natural environment and are not being afforded the opportunities to play in such environments. To examine children's perceptions, knowledge and experiences of play in the natural environment, 17 children from one school participated in small focus groups before and after a 12-week Forest School that took place within a school woodland area. Using two qualitative approaches, we found that Forest School had a positive influence on children's natural play and their knowledge of the natural world around them. |
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| Keywords: | qualitative methodology children natural play |
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