Nature and Children’s Play: Investigation of Child-Nature Interaction in Urban Green Parks

Abstract

Studies have shown that contact with nature brings cognitive, social, physical and psychological benefi ts to children, infl uencing their development. In natural environments, children play jumping, running, digging, building, hiding, climbing trees, and develop the capacity of imagination in make-believe play. In the present study, which aimed to understand the child-nature interaction in play, 30 children aged 2 to 10 years were observed in two urban green parks of Florianopolis, southern Brazil (SC). Thus, one observation protocol was developed using the technique of person-centered behavioral mapping. In both contexts, sand was the natural element most used in constructive play. Children were observed gathering sand with plastic shovels or pots to build something. Other elements such as vegetation, water and stone were observed less frequently in play behaviors. In one of the parks, vegetation was used in a turbulent play with a child climbing a tree. Water was used in turbulent play of spreading water and throwing it at one another, and stones were used in constructive play. The preservation of these elements in natural areas or their inclusion in planned areas implies in the expansion of recreational opportunities for children.