Abstract
ABSTRACT Increasingly early years education recognises the value of engaging in natural play environments for young children’s health and wellbeing. Whilst the focus of nature play usually centres around children’s engagement in bush settings, this paper examines the connections between children’s health and wellbeing, when beach settings become the play and learning environment. A case study of an outside school hours program operating in Coastal Victoria, Australia, was undertaken examining the lived experiences of the children participating in the program as well as the reflections of the educators regarding the way the children are connecting with place, and how this is impacting their wellbeing, spiritual and physical development. Drawing from van Manen’s life world existential of lived space, preliminary findings show that coastal settings afford children authentic and intrinsic opportunities through which their emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing is enhanced in ways that may not always be afforded through more organised or structured physical activities.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.