We invite you to attend the oral presentation of the School of Education PhD candidate, Yasmine Slater. Her supervisors are Sophie Alcock and Hiria McRae.

Abstract:

Research demonstrates the many benefits of outdoor play in enhancing all aspects of young children’s well-being (Blanchet-Cohen and Elliot, 2011; Nedovic & Morrissey, 2013; Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano, 2018).  Various forms of Place-Based Education are reported to encourage young children to play outdoors (Blanchet-Cohen & Elliot, 2011; Lee-Hammond & Jackson-Barrett, 2017).  Teachers’ pedagogical approaches are suggested to play a significant role in supporting young children’s connection to the outdoors (Kelly & White, 2012; Mawson, 2014; Ritchie, Duhn, Rau & Craw, 2010).  However, young children in Aotearoa New Zealand are reportedly experiencing increasing amounts of time in early childhood care and education settings (Education Counts, 2017) and decreasing amounts of time outdoors, and there is growing evidence that this trend is detrimental to their well-being.  Many researchers argue that the increase of mental health problems and rates of childhood obesity, asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, are attributable to children’s disconnection from the outdoors (Carrus, Pirchio, Passiatore, Mastandrea, Scopelliti, & Baroli, 2015; Dowdell, Gray, & Malone, 2011). Therefore, in consideration of these factors, the aim of this research is to better understand the ways in which early childhood teachers can support young children’s well-being through kaupapa Māori and engagement with the local environment.

Please arrive on time to avoid disruption for the presenter and other attendees.