Transcript: ‘Can Run, Play on Bikes, Jump the Zoom Slide, and Play on the Swings’: Exploring the Value of Outdoor Play

Abstract

This paper explores some questions surrounding the provision of outdoor play for young children, and challenges adults who share responsibility for ‘creating future play’ to consider not only what we as adults value but also what children value about the outdoor environment The question is raised as to how the values we hold and the images we have of children impact on playground design. This paper shares some of the findings from a small pilot research project, which endeavoured to genuinely listen to children's views about their early childhood centre playground through the medium of photography. The findings endorsed the view that outdoor spaces are of significant importance to children and that children's voices not only need to be listened to but also are worthy of being listened to.