Browsing by Author "Sassi, Sanna"

The goal of this study is to get an idea of the ideology and descripe and explain the activities present in the exercise oriented kindergarten of Touhula Hyvinkää. In addition the purpose of this study is to demonstrate how the physical learning environment reflects the the values if exercise and well-being. While there is a plethora of scientific information on the effects of early childhood exercise and it´s role in developing learning and overall correlation with grades there have been no previous studies done on exercise oriented kindergartens. Many children spend a considerable portion of their day in kindergarten so physical exercise taught and encouraged in these environments may have significant role in developing an active, healthy lifestyle. National guidelines for early childhood education and recommendations for early childhood physical activity emphasizes the importance of diverse physical activity in children's everyday life. The aim in this study is to examine how these guidelines and recommendations will actualize in this one specific exercise oriented kindergarten. This qualitative study was conducted in the kindergarten of Touhula in Hyvinkää, Finland using descriping case study method. Data was collected via observing the physical learning environment and premises of the kindergarten and by a complementary interview of a teacher (N=1). Furthermore the material for this study included documentation from the kindergarten's early childhood development plans. This material was analyzed using The results of this study indicate that the daily activities of Touhula include various different physical movement, motions and they vary in intensity. Weekday, ordinary physical activity was seen as a significant form of early childhood exercise. The majority of the children's daily exercise was composed of outdoor play and small field trips, while supervised exercise was also regularly taught both indoors and out. Exercise could also happen spontaneously on the children's own accord. The physical environment of Touhula provides alternatives for both free play and movement while also catering to supervised exercise for small groups. The staff member felt the facilities, lacking a large gym, were too small to accommodate such large group sizes and to provide qualite exercise. Strong sides of the job included the physically lifestyles of the staff members. Both the attitudes and flexibility of the staff were key factors in designing and executing the physical exercise components of the early childhood development plans. With the help of this study more information can be discovered about the development and organizing of exercise oriented early childhood physical education. Those in said field need more information, skills and most importantly a positive attitude towards physical education so they are able to relay an active, physical lifestyle for the children.