Childcare Incorporating Nature – Research Issues and Prospects

Abstract

  Children learn many things through their interactions with nature. However, in recent years, the rate of educational experiences utilizing nature and the number of childcare facilities that incorporate nature into daily childcare practices are decreasing. The purpose of this paper is to suggest the possibility of nature-based childcare practices that can provide educational benefits for children in any kind of childcare environment, based on research findings on nature-based childcare practices. For this purpose, we first reviewed the history of nature-based childcare practices such as Forest Kindergarten, along with research findings regarding the utilization of nature in both nature-based and general childcare facilities. Through this, we derived the characteristics of abilities that can be developed through interaction with nature. Thereafter, we discussed the characteristics and activities in nature that can be practically utilized in any kind of childcare environment, underscoring the importance of using the five senses effectively. Finally, after indicating the issues related to research methods for demonstrating the effects of nature-based childcare practices, the necessity and possibility of nature-based childcare programs for all childcare facilities are discussed.