Citation

Kuo C. Education 2009; 129(4): 755-769.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the care-givers of preschool education institutions whose cognition on playing equipment functions, conditions of both setting and using, and the main factors which should beware of design. Besides, not only constructed the factors of design, but also provided suggestions about setting and designing of playing equipment. The findings of this study were: (1) the care-givers mostly assented that playing equipment had the functions to promote young children' physical abilities, senses, interpersonal relationships, curiosity, cooperative behavior, regular manners, and good emotions as well, (2) most playing equipment in young children schools were slides, climbing-shelf, swings, rocking-chair, and chain/suspension bridge, (3) the playing equipment patterns of combination and separateness in the majority were sited; nearly 90% playing equipment set security facilities; the main material were plastic; most colors were bright; most playing equipment passed security certificate; the majority of them had safe explanation cards; furthermore they were separated away from teaching areas and were maintained routinely, (4) the many of care-givers thought the quantity and sort were abundant for young children to utilize; different ages children had the coequal using opportunities; different gender chose different playing equipment; the care-givers arranged playing schedule for young children and stood on the side of them during playing time, (5) they thought physical touching among children in playing and inappropriate design were the reasons of getting hurt, (6) they thought the young children paid more attention to slides, swings, tilts, climbing-shelf, sandpit, rocking-chair, balance beams, and chain/suspension bridge, (7) they thought the important elements in order were safety, the design of material, the tour routes, practicability, the needs of ages, maintaining cleaning, the developing stages of the young children, enchanting colors, variety, and being funny as well.

Language: en