Transition from primary to high school can be a time of significant stress for young people. Social connection may mitigate the stress experienced by young people yet their play activities, which are a key source of connection and friendship, have not been examined. The aim of the study was to capture the play behaviors of children in outdoor school environments. Children’s play behaviors in their final year of primary school and those in their first year of high school were captured using a standardized tool (Tool for Observing Play Outdoors). Observations occurred in school outdoor environments during break times in South Australia. Data were collected from four schools (two metropolitan and two regional) which were all from a similar level on the Index of Educational Disadvantage. Four observation sessions were held at each school. Parents of 42 (16 girls) primary school students and 85 (33 girls) high school students gave permission for their children to participate. Physical play was the most frequent activity observed in both primary school and high school followed by expressive play. Year level was significantly associated with the type of play engaged in. Findings demonstrate children in the first year of high school continue to engage in physical and social play albeit less than those in the final year of primary school. Differences existed between rural and metropolitan schools. This research questions whether the physical and social environment or onset of puberty is more influential on changes in children’s play.

Authors:
Jane Webb-Williams, University of South Australia, Australia
Ann Kennedy-Behr, University of South Australia, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jane Webb-Williams is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of South Australia in Australia

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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