SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS AND GROUPS OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN DAY CARE CENTERS

Authors

  • Renata Meneghini
  • Mara I. Campos de Carvalho Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7322/jhgd.38385

Keywords:

peer groups, spatial arrangement, day care centers, physical proximity.

Abstract

This study analyzed the formation of peergroups and caregiver-children groups (groups of two, three, four and five or more components), using the same data collection of a previous
study carried out with groups of 2-to-3-year-old children from two day care centers which serve the low income families in the Ribeirão Preto (SP) area. The data were collected by two automatic photographic cameras shooting at every 30 seconds. The procedure included three phases: I open anrangement: the usual broad and empty space (4 sessions); II - open arrangement: inclusion of small shelves along the periphery of tho space (6 sessions); III - semi-open arrangement:
formation of two circumscribed zones, areas delimited on at least three sides by small barriers (6 sessions). Using a criterion of physical proximity of 1 m, the analysis showed: (1) an increase in the occunrence of peer groups and a decrease in adult-children groups with increased spatial structure, (2) dyadic children groups were more frequent, and (3) a preferential occunrence of peer groups, especially with three or more children, in the more structured areas of each phase,
adult’s zone (Phase I), shelves (Phase II) and circumscribed zones (Phase III). These data indicate the relevance of spatial arrangements for the formation of peer groups and for designing children’s collective environments.

Author Biographies

  • Renata Meneghini
    Bolsista de iniciação Cientifica do CNlPq
  • Mara I. Campos de Carvalho, Universidade de São Paulo
    Profa. Dra. do Depto. de Psicologia e Educação da Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto USP. Depto. de Psieologia e Edueação - Faeuldade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirào Preto Universidadc dc São Paulo.

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Published

1997-06-19

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (1997)

Section

Original/Atualização

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