Children’s play preferences and risky outdoor play in the childcare centre

Abstract

Title: “It’s like you are in the jungle”: Using the draw-and-tell method to explore preschool children’s play preferences and factors that shape their active play Objective: A child’s preference for active or sedentary play is a key proximal indicator of a child’s physical activity behavior. There is a need to understand children’s physical activity preferences in order to make physical play more enjoyable to them, this may encourage participation and a more positive relationship with physical activity. While this work is critical, little research has attempted to incorporate the perspectives of children themselves. This study specifically examines: (1) what activities do preschool children prefer; (2) what do children consider to be barriers and facilitators to participating in their preferred activity. Method: The authors employed visual methodologies to explore the activity preferences of forty preschool children. Children were asked to draw their preferred activities and answer a series of open and closed questions about their drawing and what they think are barriers and facilitators to participating in this activity. Results: Participant’s expressed a desire to play unstructured activities with friends or family, to engage in imaginative, challenging play, as well as the opportunity to have control over the activity they engage in. Children reported that rules at home and at childcare, the availability of toys, friends, family and having access to a natural environment served as both barriers and facilitators to them participating in their favorite activity. Conclusion: Listening to children’s voices about their play preferences and the barriers and facilitators to engaging in these activities, provides important insight in children’s play behavior. The current findings will help to inform the design of programs and projects targeting physical activity increases in young children.