PRESCHOOL PERSPECTIVES ON NATURE – AN INTERVIEW STUDY OF CHILDREN ATTENDING OUTDOOR CLASSES

Abstract: Aim: The aim of this thesis is to explore views, perspectives and opinions of preschool children that attend outdoor classes about nature, animals, plants and nature’s protection from humans’ pollution. By conducting semi-structured interviews with preschool children, the children’s voice is sought to be at the centre of research. Theory: Posthuman theories suggest that the human and non-human should be equal and humans must seek ways in order for this equity to be implemented; daily exposure to nature is helpful to preschool students in order to develop a thinking of equality and equity between humans and non-humans. Critical theorists argue that daily exposure to animals in parks might promote animals’ manipulation and exploitation by humans. Children’s voice and children’s agency are central to the current research since the thesis seeks to illustrate that children, even from young age are able to communicate their needs, worries and thoughts. Method: Qualitative research of semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions was selected as the most appropriate method for the current thesis in order for children’s voice to be heard. Thematic analysis of the transcribed text of the interviews was selected in order to analyse the children’s discourse. Results: Four primary themes emerged: I) complex knowledge about nature, II) association of outdoor school day with play, III) affinity towards animals, IV) protection of nature against its pollution from humans. Children are thinking of nature in multiple ways; either as a place where they have fun or as the animals and plants in it. Play is considered very important for preschool children when they find themselves in nature. Moreover, the vast majority illustrated affection towards animals while in very few instances violence towards small ones has been uttered. Finally, all the children demonstrated knowledge about who pollutes nature, what are the harmful consequences of nature pollution with plastic and what can or should be done in order for nature to be kept pure and clean.