The importance of preschool employees’ individual and shared opinions for 4–6-year-olds’ physical activity in preschool – in light of individual and collective identity

The study investigates how the attitudes of kindergarten staff can affect practices related to children’s physical activity in kindergarten. The research question is: How do kindergarten employees from three kindergartens express their individual and shared opinions in work involving children’s physical activity in kindergarten?

The results show that kindergarten staff have different individual and collective attitudes towards physical activity. The majority consider physical activity important for children’s well-being and development, while time, resources, individual attitudes and opportunities for adaptation influence the practical implementation. Positive attitudes among the staff help promote physical activity. In addition, the results show that collective attitudes and a shared culture are also important prerequisites for promoting physical activity in kindergarten.

The study is based on focus group interviews with 13 kindergarten employees from three rural kindergartens in Trøndelag in Norway. The participants worked as both kindergarten teachers and assistants. One of the kindergartens is an ordinary kindergarten, while the other two are outdoor kindergartens that focus on outdoor activities. The participants were interviewed about their attitudes towards physical activity. The analysis is done by thematising the responses to identify the most prominent attitudes and practices.

Kippe, K. (2023). The importance of preschool employees’ individual and shared opinions for 4–6-year-olds’ physical activity in preschool – in light of individual and collective identity. Education 3-13, 1–12.