Outdoor activities promoting mental and physical health and well-being in Sámi Early Childhood Education and Care institutions

The study investigates how outdoor activities in Sámi kindergartens in Norway can promote children’s mental and physical health as well as well-being. The study also aims to understand how such activities can strengthen children’s cultural identity and belonging to the Sámi tradition. Through this, the researchers want to contribute knowledge about health-promoting practices in Sámi kindergartens. The research questions are:

1. How do employees in Sámi kindergartens emphasise outdoor activities and play in their daily practice?
2. How can such activities be understood as a way to promote mental and physical health, as well as well-being?

The results show that outdoor activities play a crucial role in promoting both mental and physical health, as well as cultural belonging. Sámi kindergartens integrate nature-based activities such as lighting campfires, berry picking and the use of traditional tools and utensils in children’s everyday lives. This helps strengthen children’s sense of mastery and cultural identity, while also facilitating risky play as part of their development. The study also highlights how outdoor activities strengthen the interaction between children, nature and culture. In addition, the study points to challenges such as the lack of Sámi-speaking staff and limitations related to urban environments.

The study used qualitative methods, including focus groups and individual interviews with employees from seven Sámi kindergartens in different regions of Norway. The analysis was carried out using Stepwise-Deductive Induction (SDI), which combines inductive development of concepts with systematic quality assurance. In the interviews, the researchers focused on how outdoor activities and Sámi culture are used as health-promoting elements of kindergartens practice.

Bjerklund, M., & Åmot, I. (2023). Outdoor activities promoting mental and physical health and well-being in Sámi Early Childhood Education and Care institutions. Journal of Childhood, Education & Society, 4(3), 261–273.