Social-Emotional Competences of Preschoolers: The Impact of Outdoor Educational Activities
Early childhood education is a new & priority of European trends education and a means of increasing the quality of the life. This study aims to provide an analysis of the kindergartens in nature experiences, where children’s lives are conducted in close contact with nature and the outdoor activities in any season and in any weather are an important part of the daily program. These outdoor activities have a significant contribution to social and emotional development of the preschoolers. The concept of kindergartens in nature is an innovative educational concept in which the education for sustainable management and environment has an integrated approach. These activities contribute to the social and emotional development of preschoolers.
Otilia Clipa is an assistant professor at Faculty of Science of Education, Stefan cel Mare University, Romania. She has a BA in pedagogy and psychology and MD in integrated pedagogy. Her PhD thesis approached a theme about evaluation in higher education. She published or coordinated over 12 books and many articles in international journals (over 60 articles). Also, she is involved in many research projects (national or European) in science of education field. Areas of interest: early childhood education, preschool and primary education, assessment in education, teacher education and didactics for university teachers.
Erica Cimpan is a teacher for preschool education and master student of Faculty of Science of Education, Stefan cel Mare University, Romania. She attended a Faculty of Science of Education (bachelor and master degree) at Stefan cel Mare University from Suceava. She is the author of a few articles about preschool education. Her research focuses on a proposal for ecological pedagogy for children, called the metaphorical Waldpädagogik (forestry pedagogy).