A Case Study of Current Circumstances of a Nature Kindergarten and its Additional Effects to Parents

Abstract

This paper aimed at clarifying the current circumstances of a nature kindergarten in Hokkaido and evaluating its additional effects to parents, as a case study. As a result, following points were made clear: 1. Outdoor activities of nature kindergarten showed seasonal differences according to the climate of snow cold district, such as catching insects in summer and playing in the snow in winter, 2. Changing children’s interest toward nature resources, such as insects and eatable plants, promoted their parents’ free time outdoor activities, 3. Activities of children in the nature kindergarten not only encouraged children’s sound growth but also promoted their parents’ progress of child-raising skills.