Indoor and Outdoor Play in Preschool Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explain children's indoor and outdoor play in preschool programs in terms of teacher interaction, peer interaction and task orientation. Children's indoor and outdoor play behaviors were compared using the Individualized Classroom Assessment Scoring System (inCLASS). Findings included significant differences on task engagement and self-reliance (within the domain of task orientation), with both measures higher in an indoor play environment than an outdoor environment. Findings revealed no significant differences between the indoor and outdoor environment in terms of teacher engagement and peer engagement.