Playing Outdoors Amidst Objects to Foster Experiences and Attribute Meanings in Italy

This chapter presents empirical research focusing on the educational merits of outdoor play, centered on a play project influenced by the psychomotor approach, implemented at the Testi-Rasponi Kindergarten in the Municipality of Bologna. The investigation yielded predictably positive results, aligning with existing research indicating that such experiences facilitate the release of vital energies in both children and adults, fostering enhanced self-respect, empathy towards others, and environmental consciousness (Little, Elliott & Wyver, 2017). The report unfolds in two primary sections: first, by detailing project management and second, by pre-senting the project’s outcomes. Noteworthy is the dual perspective considered: while project planning adopts an adult-centric view, educational outcomes are examined from the children’s standpoint. Thus, the report transitions from logistical considerations such as resources, arrangements, spaces, and objectives toward re-flections on the children’s perceptions, recognizing them as principal stakeholders. The project execution primarily involved the head teachers, teachers of the hosting municipal Kindergarten, and experts who oversaw its implementation. It's significant that the project progressed smoothly, owing to the enthusiasm of the individuals deeply interested in the educational potential of outdoor motor play and their conviction stemming from prior positive experiences. However, to mitigate biases, a rigorous evidence-based research approach was adopted (Malone, 2008). Data collection employed an empirical Case Study design (Stake, 1995; Yin, 2014), which was deemed suitable for elucidating the educational context under scrutiny. Analysis of the gathered data revealed outcomes related to well-being, socialization, and agency, affirming that outdoor play activities effectively nurture the development of involved subjectivities, satisfying diverse educational needs. Ultimately, there's a call to promote outdoor activities, especially for individuals, including children and adults, who spend prolonged periods indoors, particularly those impacted by circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic or similar crises, emphasizing the importance of mitigating the effects of confinement on early developmental stages.