Development of educational materials for teachers in Forest kindergarten that encompasses the concept of project adventure

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K12984
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Developmental mechanisms and the body works
• Research Institution: St. Luke's International University
• Principal Investigator: KIKUTA FUMIO 聖路加国際大学, 大学院看護学研究科, 准教授 (60234184)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 森のようちえん / 指導者養成 / 教材開発 / 自然体験活動 / プロジェクトアドベンチャー

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to examine the attributes of supervisors at Forest Kindergartens from the point of view of PA(Project Adventure). This study was based on a Forest Kindergarten at a facility for outdoor activities in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. To identify concrete attributes necessary for childcare staff, the speech contents of childcare staff were transcribed when they talked about activities with parents at the end of the day.
Results suggest that childcare staff at Forest Kindergartens should support the children’s activities while being aware that children are able to understand and accept that differ in terms of the challenges they want to attempt and the timing for undertaking these challenges; and need preparation to engage in challenges without worry. Furthermore, childcare staff should not make light of children’s abilities and possibilities and should strive to help them realize things themselves, not to control their behavior.

Free Research Field

子ども学（子ども環境学） / 生活体験・子育て支援・森のようちえん・いのちの教育・生きかたの教育