Peer Conflict in a Nature-Based Preschool: Indoor Versus Outdoor Free Play

• In Event: Play in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative study explored peer conflict in an indoor and outdoor context during free play in a nature-based preschool. Fifteen children were video-recorded individually. Each child was observed for 30 minutes in each of the indoor and outdoor free play. Event coding analysis examined peer conflict frequency, duration, catalyst, and teacher presence. Data analysis revealed that 1) children engaged in less conflict events in the outdoor then the indoor 2) there were differences in the catalysts for conflict between the indoor and outdoor. Outdoor conflict events were more likely to be initiated by a play idea while indoor conflicts revolved around distribution of resources. Additionally, gender differences were observed in conflicts by context type.

Authors

• Annette Pic, University of Delaware

• Myae Han, University of Delaware