OutDoor Play: A Book Report

This paper consists of a book report on the book Outdoor Play: Teaching Strategies with Young Children authored by Jane P. Perry (2001a). The report first summaries the book and its major themes; these are then related to some salient articles, books and websites. The paper then goes on to discusses the pros and cons of the book club.

In general, Perry's (2001a) book analyzes the significance of outdoor play based on a series of studies of outdoor play conducted at a university campus with ethnically diverse children from middle to upper class families. All children were between three and five years of age. Data collection methods utilized videotapes of play activities, audiotapes of teachers 'comments concerning the videotaped play, and a number of field notes. The complete methodology of the study is provided in the book's preface.

The conceptual framework used for the analysis is delineated in the first chapter of the book. Conceptualizing the play yard as a building ground for children's physical, emotional and social growth, play episodes are organized into three basic phases: initiation, negotiation, and enactment in which there is a discrete set of expectations and cues for learning. Insight into the dynamics of outdoor play are articulated within this framework by relating observances of play yard events (e.g., conflict, turmoil, friendship-making, etc.) to theories from contemporary developmental research as w

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strategies for specific situations. There is no discussion of gender or ethnicity differences. Special needs children are also not examined, nor is the play of children considered at different levels of motor skills that might be required at any given episode of play. Thus, while the book's focus is very sharp, it is limited. However, it is important to note that Perry has done some expansion of her work which can be found in a variety of resources such as Perry (2001b) and Perry and Tracy (2001). Relevant Articles and Websites If Perry's (2001a) book is somewhat restricted in focus, there are plenty of additional books and websites that teachers can use to either find more information about children's outdoor play or to gain greater insight into the conceptual framework that Perry provides. For example, Theemes (1999) discusses the importance of outdoor play for children from a developmental standpoint and also takes into considerations the playground environment and how to assess it in terms of whether it facilitates or hinders maximal learning. Theemes' book is put out by the High Scope Educational Foundation which also has a website (http://www.highscope.org/) where more information can be found concerning various elements

Category: Psychology - O