유아가 참여한 실외놀이터 재구성 과정에서의 경험 탐색

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the experiences of young children participating in the process of reconstructing otheir outdoor play area in their early childhood education institution.
 To achieve this, 18 children from a 5-year-old class at A Kindergarten located in D City participated in the process of restructuring the outdoor play area. Various participatory and visual methods, such as introducing the outdoor playground, taking photos, conducting photo interviews, drawings pictures, creating structures, and making model maps, were employed. The results are as follows: First, the children collected and interpreted data about the outdoor play area from their own perspectives and played a role as co-researchers in creating research agendas. Secondly, the children had opportunities for reflection through their personal 'stories' from their experiences in the outdoor play area and addressed issues within the outdoor play area, constructing solutions on their own.
 Third, through the experience of realizing their ideas such as 'horizontal bar nets,' 'benches for relaxation spaces,' and 'front porch table for role-playing houses' in the outdoor play area, the children experienced themselves as the owners of the outdoor play area. Actively participating in the restructuring of the outdoor play area allowed the children to develop a sense of belonging and attachment to the outdoor play area as a 'meaningful' place filled with their stories. Such experiences of 'participation' are believed to help expand the scope of children's reasoning abilities in deciding their own lives in the future.