Being outdoors allows children to explore, experience natural phenomena, it gives them more space and freedom for development. Educators should arouse children’s interest in nature so that children ...develop feelings and learn from experience. The research aimed at determining the attitudes and reflections of educators employed in preschool institutions in the Republic of Croatia regarding the attitudes and reflections of educators about being outdoors. The research was conducted on a sample of 351 educators. A measuring instrument designed for the needs of this research was used. The results of the research show that 53% of educators agree or completely agree with the statement that they spend their free time in nature. Furthermore, 35.6% spend up to 6 hours a week walking, recreation, cycling and the like. Regarding the statement which limiting factors prevent going outdoors with children, 58.1% of educators completely agree or agree with the statement. We asked the respondents which other limiting factor they see as an obstacle and 36.9% mentioned the weather. Educators are the ones who decide whether children will spend time outdoors. This affects children’s different experiences because their time outdoors depends on the beliefs and attitudes of their educators.
This survey was conducted to determine how children spend their free time, the frequency of spending time outdoors, as well as the attitudes of children toward outdoor activities and spending several ...days in the nature in the form of camping. By using the method of experimental research, the techniques of theoretical analysis and a specially designed questionnaire, we obtained the results for the analysis and consideration. What is alarming is the fact that even 20% of the children in the lower grades of primary school spend their free time in front of televisions and with computers, while as many as 45% of children rarely spend time in nature. The three most frequently cited reasons for not spending enough time in nature include school obligations, parents’ obligations and the fact that there is no nature in the respondents’ environment. The data indicate the need for an organised, systematic stay in the countryside at weekends in the form of half-day or full-day trips and excursions, as well as multi-day camping trips organised during summer holidays. The willingness of as many as 84.9% of the respondents to spend their free time camping meets one of the most important requirements for a systemic implementation of this programme. The children are aware of the value of spending time in nature and they feel the need and desire to spend their free time outdoors, which reflects the practical significance of this study.
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