Bringing outdoor play indoors in United Arab Emirates: Mud as a powerful binding element
A Mud Day project is successful in bringing outdoor learning indoors
The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a project designed to bring outdoor learning indoors. The project was developed and implemented by a group of preservice teachers looking for ways to help young children develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. This study was conducted in the United Arab Emirates, where heat and humidity limit outdoor play for six months of the year.
Plans for the project emerged out of a discussion between the teacher educator (who was also the author of this paper) and six preservice teachers about the purpose and value of outdoor play for early learning. After recalling favorite childhood memories of outdoor play and reflecting on the decreasing opportunities for children to go out into nature due to urbanization, the group decided to celebrate International Mud Day with a kindergarten class on the college campus. They used water, sand and clay to make a large patch of mud. They also gathered a variety of manipulative materials — both manufactured (whisk, colander, masher, loaf tin, spoons, mixing bowls, etc.) and natural (leaves, flowers, pebbles, et.). They then invited a group of kindergarten children to come to the campus to celebrate Mud Day by using the materials provided for them.
The project was evaluated in relation to (1) the extent to which the activity brought outdoor learning indoors, (2) how it met kindergarten-grade 2 curriculum outcomes, and (3) how it promoted children’s knowledge of nature and appreciation of the world around them. Observations of the children as they used the materials to make “cakes” and other imaginative creations indicated that this Mud Day project was successful in all three areas. Planning and implementing the project also helped the preservice teachers develop understanding and skill in promoting inquiry-based learning with young children. The success of this project encouraged the preservice teachers to make bringing nature into the classroom a part of their practice.
Citation
Baker, F.S., (2017). Bringing outdoor play indoors in United Arab Emirates: Mud as a powerful binding element. Childhood Education, 93(1),
