Outdoors in Preschool Teaching: A Model Implementation in Turkey

Abstract

In the research, an explanatory case study was carried out which is a kind of qualitative research. By presenting a model implementation, how to create outdoor centers and teachers’ views on the designed model are introduced with the purpose of making a contribution to teachers and preschool education institutions. Within this framework, by receiving opinions of teachers, an outdoor space design was made, and by the end of  a 2 month work, 12 centers (art, music, playing house, writing, balance, eye-hand coordination, vegetable, fruit, book, performance, sensory) were created in the garden of research and application kindergarten of a university. After 6 teachers used the design in the 2 month education period, their opinions are received. Teachers expressed the efficiency of center designs in the garden in terms of supporting children’s development and implementing educational programs. Model implementation was described in detail and was discussed with the related body of literature. A design was made regarding how center implementation which will support children development in the best way can be formed using low-cost waste and natural material. The model is thought to raise awareness about putting outdoor space in good use.