EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF NATURE IN SHAPING YOUNG MINDS

Abstract

It was only until recent history that humans began living in urbanized cities, towns or conurbations. Before the transition from ancient history to “recent history”, the idea of “play” to children was understood differently. Back then, it was common for humans to grow up in close contact with nature. When it was time to play, children would flock to the closest natural or wild areas, be it a forest or stream. In the twenty-first century, however, with its rapid urbanization and advancements in technology, the lives of children have changed drastically. Today, it is apparent that children are more deprived of opportunities for outdoor play and regular interaction with nature. This paper seeks to study the importance of nature in shaping the minds of young children, and identifies how it can be introduced into their lives and emphasized on at a young age. As Singapore is a highly urbanized city, the lack of exposure to nature is a prevalent issue. Research will be done on local preschool education centres to identify how their spaces provide for the need to develop motor skills and environmental awareness in children. The case studies chosen for this paper are situated in different settings, some of which are ground-based and others elevated. The limitations of outdoors spaces in preschools are recognized, and recommendations are made as to how they can be designed in a high-rise situation.