10/09/2026
Study shows the importance of nature-based play for children’s development.
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RESEARCH | The rapid urbanization and domination of concrete landscapes in cities diminish children’s access to natural environments and traditional outdoor play. These sedentary and technology-driven activities raise concerns about the potential consequences for child development.
This study aims to explore the lived experiences of teachers in a child development center (CDC) in implementing nature-based play (NBP) and how urbanization and decreasing green spaces in developing countries impact NBP. Using multiple case studies in the Philippines, the study interviewed teachers from a child development laboratory and applied narrative analysis.
Results showed that the teachers perceived NBP as a form of play that happens in the natural environment, involves natural elements, is unstructured, and aids in learning. Moreover, NBP is accorded a crucial role in all domains of early childhood development, including physical activity, cognitive learning, as well as social and emotional development. However, weather disturbances, safety concerns, increasing teacher workloads, and the expansion of urban infrastructure reduce natural and green spaces and challenge NBP implementation.
Findings provide recommendations for more inclusive development by incorporating green spaces in urban planning and design, as well as community participation in NBP for more holistic and resilient child development.
Authors: Hannah Raven S. Gutierrez (Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Juliana Selina A. Agoncillo (Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños), Trisha Mae U. Catapang (Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños), and Casper Boongaling Agaton (Department of Community and Environmental Resource Planning, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños)
Published in the Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education
Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/nature-based-play-offers-a-holistic-approach-to-child-development-but-faces-barriers-such-as-reduced-green-spaces-in-urban-areas/
