What does it feel like to be in a blue space nature play program? A phenomenological investigation into the wellbeing benefits for children engaging in physically active play in coastal environments

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.