Study Information Sheet and Consent Form for Research Participants
We warmly invite you to take part in our research study, which seeks to explore the impact of nature-based play on children’s development. We are specifically looking for Primary 1 to 5 school children and their parents to participate.
Kindly take the time to read and understand this information sheet thoroughly. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Once you are ready, you can complete and submit the online form. A copy will be available for you to download and keep.
Introduction
Nature-based play is increasingly recognized as vital for children as it fosters a range of developmental benefits that are crucial during these formative years. Research indicates that engaging with nature through play significantly contributes to physical development, fosters a deep connection to nature, and enhances socioemotional growth.
Firstly, nature-based play promotes physical development by encouraging active engagement in outdoor environments. Research indicates that outdoor play increases physical activity levels, which are essential for children's motor skills and overall health (Lambert et al., 2019). The presence of natural elements in outdoor play spaces, such as trees and varied terrains, has been linked to higher levels of physical activity among children, reinforcing the importance of nature in promoting active lifestyles (Özdemir & Kanbur, 2022).
In addition to physical benefits, nature-based play also fosters a strong connection to the natural environment. Studies have demonstrated that play in natural settings helps children develop empathy for nature and an understanding of ecological systems (Beer et al., 2018). This connection is critical as it cultivates pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours, which are essential for future generations to engage in environmental stewardship (King et al., 2020).
Moreover, nature-based play is instrumental in supporting socioemotional development. Engaging in outdoor play allows children to navigate social interactions, manage risks, and develop resilience. Research has shown that environments that support risky play positively impact children's health and behaviour, fostering a sense of agency and self-confidence (Brussoni et al., 2015). Additionally, the presence of peers during nature play enhances social skills and emotional intelligence, as children learn to cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts in a natural setting (Loebach et al., 2021).
In summary, nature-based play is vital for the holistic development of children. It not only promotes physical health through increased activity levels but also fosters a meaningful connection to the environment and enhances socioemotional skills. As such, encouraging nature play in educational and recreational settings is essential for nurturing well-rounded, environmentally conscious, and emotionally resilient children.
Therefore, this research aims to examine the impact of nature-based play and children’s development. This research aims to answer the following main research questions:
Quality of Play Environment:
What do nature-based play spaces in Singapore look like?
Child Play Behaviours:
What are the typical play behaviours exhibited by children in nature-based environments?
Child Physical Activity:
How active are children during the nature-based play program?
What effect does participation in a wait-list control condition have on the physical activity levels of children engaged in nature-based play?
Child Gross Motor Development:
Are there any changes in gross motor skills before and after participating in the nature-based play program?
What effect does participation in a wait-list control condition have on the gross motor skills of children participating in nature-based play?
Child Socio-Emotional Development:
Are there differences in socio-emotional skills before and after children engage in the nature-based play program?
What effect does participation in a wait-list control condition have on the socio-emotional skills of children in nature-based play?
Child Connectedness to Nature:
How connected are children to nature?
Are there differences in connectedness to nature between children in the intervention group and those in the wait-list control group?
Child Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behaviour:
What are the patterns of physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behaviour among children?
How do physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behaviours differ between children in the intervention group and those in the wait-list control group?
Parent Physical Activity, Sleep, and Sedentary Behaviour:
Is there a relationship between the physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behaviours of parents and their children?
Parents’ Perceptions of Play:
What are parents’ perceived barriers and opportunities of nature-based play?
We plan to recruit 100 children and their parents from across Singapore over a period of 2 years
from February 2025 to January 2027.
References:
Beer, T., Cook, A., & Kantor, K. (2018). Running wild: engaging and empowering future custodians of place through creative nature-based play. Journal of Public Pedagogies, (3). https://doi.org/10.15209/jpp.1143
Brussoni, M., Gibbons, R., Gray, C., Ishikawa, T., Sandseter, E., Bienenstock, A., … & Tremblay, M. (2015). What is the relationship between risky outdoor play and health in children? a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 12(6), 6423-6454. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph120606423
King, H., García-Rosell, J., & Noakes, S. (2020). Promoting children-nature relations through play-based learning in ecotourism sites. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 20(3), 190-201. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2020.1797612
Lambert, A., Vlaar, J., Herrington, S., & Brussoni, M. (2019). What is the relationship between the neighbourhood built environment and time spent in outdoor play? a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(20), 3840. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16203840
Loebach, J., Sanches, M., Jaffe, J., & Elton-Marshall, T. (2021). Paving the way for outdoor play: examining socio-environmental barriers to community-based outdoor play. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(7), 3617. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073617
Prins, J., Wilt, F., Veen, C., & Hovinga, D. (2022). Nature play in early childhood education: a systematic review and meta ethnography of qualitative research. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.995164
Özdemir, A. and Kanbur, B. (2022). The effect of ecologically based playgrounds on the child's sensory and motor functions. Journal of Human Sciences, 19(4), 582-588. https://doi.org/10.14687/jhs.v19i4.6294