ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the play behaviours of young children, comparing indoor and outdoor play using modifications of Parten's and Piaget's social and cognitive play categories. It focuses on research analyzing social and cognitive play in these two environments. The studies that have used both environments in assessing the social and/or cognitive play of young children will end the review. Despite the difficulties inherent in defining and describing play, it is important to understand the factors influencing its various aspects. Although a primary goal of most nursery school programmes is to develop in children the skills necessary to interact with other children, it is also important for children to feel comfortable playing alone. This practice should be discontinued, giving the outdoor environment more attention and consideration than it has received. The chapter compares the free-play behaviours of nursery school children in indoor and outdoor environments.
