Presentation
Mapping the Dynamics of Play: Investigating Play Behaviors across Natural, Mixed, and Manufactured Zones in a School Playground
SessionThursday Poster Session
DescriptionThis presentation examines how different school playground environments shape children’s play behaviors, social interaction, and environmental engagement during recess. Using systematic behavior mapping, the study analyzed nearly 3,000 georeferenced observations of children aged 8–11 across natural, mixed, and manufactured play zones within a U.S. school playscape. Statistical and spatial analyses were used to investigate relationships between playground typology, play behavior, peer interaction, environmental interaction, and risk-related activity.
Findings revealed clear behavioral differences across play settings. Manufactured zones primarily supported structured, rule-based group play with limited behavioral diversity and minimal exploratory engagement. Mixed zones functioned as transitional environments that supported both structured and creative activities, allowing greater flexibility in social interaction and play behavior. Natural zones demonstrated the highest diversity of play behaviors and affordances, supporting imaginative, constructive, physical, and socially expressive forms of play, alongside richer environmental interaction and developmentally appropriate risk-taking.
The findings highlight the importance of spatial and material diversity in supporting children’s developmental needs and behavioral engagement. The study offers evidence-based insights for educators, designers, and planners seeking to create more inclusive, affordance-rich, and developmentally supportive school playgrounds.
Findings revealed clear behavioral differences across play settings. Manufactured zones primarily supported structured, rule-based group play with limited behavioral diversity and minimal exploratory engagement. Mixed zones functioned as transitional environments that supported both structured and creative activities, allowing greater flexibility in social interaction and play behavior. Natural zones demonstrated the highest diversity of play behaviors and affordances, supporting imaginative, constructive, physical, and socially expressive forms of play, alongside richer environmental interaction and developmentally appropriate risk-taking.
The findings highlight the importance of spatial and material diversity in supporting children’s developmental needs and behavioral engagement. The study offers evidence-based insights for educators, designers, and planners seeking to create more inclusive, affordance-rich, and developmentally supportive school playgrounds.
Contributor
Event Type
Poster
TimeThursday, October 22nd5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location