Can we Play Outside? Social-Emotional Learning and Preschooler Physical Activity
Marcia A. Rosiek, Benedict P. Dyson, Erin J. Reifsteck, & Diane L. Gill, FACSM
Coastal Carolina University & UNC at Greensboro
Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA) for their development, preschoolers (age 3-5) do not meet recommendations and spend the majority of their day indoors engaged in sedentary behaviors (Pate et al., 2008). Outdoor environments promote PA (Cerrin et al., 2016), and active play is considered important for social and emotional learning (SEL), which involves self-regulatory and problem-solving skills, making good decisions, and developing positive relationships. Early childhood SEL is associated with school readiness and academic achievement (Denham & Brown, 2010). Research on the role of outdoor play for SEL in early childhood development is limited. PURPOSE: To identify and describe PA and SEL behaviors practiced by preschoolers in the outdoor environment. METHODS: This case study used mixed methods to identify and describe SEL and PA behaviors in preschoolers (ages 3-5) at an early childhood education center (ECEC). Participants included 28 children, two teachers and the ECEC director. PA accelerometry data, daily observations, and teacher interviews were collected over 4 weeks. Inductive analysis and constant comparison were used to analyze the qualitative data (Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2014). RESULTS: Accelerometry data indicate that preschoolers were engaged in sedentary behavior 46.53%, MVPA 30.81%, and light activity 21.19% of the time when outdoors; on average, preschoolers were active for 29.34 minutes during an average 56.45-minute outdoor period. Qualitative data uncovered three themes: 1) the outdoor environment provides opportunities to practice SEL, 2) social interaction during outdoor play promotes SEL, and 3) teachers support SEL during outdoor play. CONCLUSION: The outdoor environment promotes PA through multiple forms of active play, providing an ideal setting for preschoolers to practice SEL in their preferred environment.