A1 Journal article (refereed)
Outdoor activities and motor development in 2–7-year-old boys and girls (2021)
Sääkslahti, A., & Niemistö, D. (2021). Outdoor activities and motor development in 2–7-year-old boys and girls. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 21(SI1), 463-468. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2021.s1047
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Sääkslahti, Arja; Niemistö, Donna
Journal or series: Journal of Physical Education and Sport
ISSN: 2247-8051
eISSN: 2247-806X
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 21
Issue number: SI1
Pages range: 463-468
Publisher: Editura Universitatea din Pitești
Publication country: Romania
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2021.s1047
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74900
Abstract
supports comfortable daily routines in the family timetable, safety issues and clothing. However, playing
outdoors supports children’s development, offering multiple challenges to overcome and the possibility to learn
new skills. Approach: Based on Gibson’s theory of affordances (1977), outdoors can be seen as an excellent
learning environment for children to reach the zone of proximal development (Vygotsky, 1987). Purpose: This
paper describes Finnish nature and four seasons as an environment to support children’s motor development and
inspire outdoor playing. The Skilled kids participants (N= 1136, 2- to 7-year-old children) were chosen by
cluster randomization from childcare centers representing young children’s motor competence in geographically
different parts of Finland. Children’s motor competence was measured with the Test of Gross Motor
Development, TGMD-3 (Ulrich, 2019). Results: Young children living in countryside and in small cities had
better motor competence and spent more time playing outdoors than children living in metropolitan area. This
difference in the amount of outdoor play and the motor competence underlines the importance of outdoor
facilities. The description of the Finnish outdoor environment, such as forest, water, snow and ice, reveals
environmental factors that may attract and motivate children to challenge their motor abilities. Therefore, the
environment can support physically active playing, increasing young children’s overall physical activity and
motor competence. Conclusions: Versatile environments stimulate children’s motor development. Parents and
teachers of young children should be encouraged to let their children play outdoors during all seasons in different
weather conditions. Appropriate clothing guarantees free playing, daily timetables in day care should allow
outdoor playing sessions, and outdoor play yards should have large area with different affordances for children’s
free use.
Keywords: children (age groups); preschool children (age group); development of motor skills; motor skills (general); physical activity; outdoor sports; playing (children's games); physical environment; natural environment
Free keywords: motor competence; children; outdoor playing; environment; physical activity
Contributing organizations
Related research datasets
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
