Reflections on the behavior of children in schools outdoor area: what we have learned from observing children's activities

Abstract

To understand the different relations children establish with the environment, an investigation on the use of several areas of a school patio and the interaction between children, (three to seven years old), during recreation time was performed. Data were collected through systematic observation, and place-centered mapping, which is an observational technique used in Environmental Psychology. According to the observed: playing in group was predominant, specially in areas with multiple-utility equipments, sports court, and in large open shady areas; differences in the use of the spaces were found related to children's age and gender. The implications of these results appoint to the need of planning outdoor areas that allow diverse activities, and promote quality of life for children regardless their age or gender.