Förskolebarn i naturen
Undersökning om barns behov av utevistelse
AbstractThe purpose of my study is to examine how preschool children experience nature and how the educationalists at the preschool can make nature more exciting and support the children?s personal growth. I have also studied what the educationalists of the preschool do and what they can do to make nature more interesting and playful for the children. Observations and interviews have been conducted at a preschool in a small town. The preschool is situated close to nature, that is, close to a small forested area. I have chosen to conduct interviews and observations with a group of children that consists of six five year olds. Interviews have even been conducted with pedagogues that work at the preschool department. I have received positive response for my activities with the children. I consider that the children?s understanding of concept of nature has changed towards stronger connected to the concept of forest. The pedagogues at the preschool strive for spending time outside and they follow the curriculum that they incorporate into the daily activities of the preschool. I believe that possibilities exist to utilize the forested area even more by conducting gatherings and even longer periods of time outside. I consider that they are headed in the right direction.Keywords: Preschool children, nature, pedagogues, pedagogy outdoors.