Early science education for toddlers (1–3-year-olds) in natural environments – exploring the perspectives of early childhood teachers in Norway
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21685773 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Adrian K Jacobsen (0000-0003-2587-2967, University of Stavanger, corresponding author), Tuula H Skarstein (0000-0002-1673-1129, University of Stavanger), Thomas Moser (0000-0003-1243-8934, University of Stavanger) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 241-257 |
| Publication date | 2026-03-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1350-293X • E-ISSN: 1752-1807 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/1350293x.2025.2501314 |
| OpenAlex | W4410473517 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 36 |
Although early childhood science education is a field that is gaining increasing research interest, there is still little research on early science learning with a focus on toddlers. In Norway, science-related activities in natural environments are common in early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions. This study addresses this research gap by interviewing early childhood teachers in Norway about their perspectives on early science education for toddlers (ESET) in natural environments. Using thematic analysis, we found that the teachers view ESET as primarily consisting of informal, firsthand exploration of nature elements in everyday settings based on the children's interests. According to the teachers, this practice supports a sense of community and depends on a feeling of security. The study concludes that ESET in natural environments appears compatible with the ECEC context, contributing to a better understanding of how ESET can be implemented in these settings
Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Early childhood education · Geography · Outdoor education · Pedagogy · Preschool education · Sociology · Animal and Plant Science Education · Outdoor and Experiential Education · Psychology · Science Education and Pedagogy
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Children in nature
How to support young children's interest development during exploratory natural science activities in outdoor environments
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Knowledge and Teaching
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |