Challenge Courses as a Method of Adventure Education in Early Childhood Setting

Abstract

This study explored the application of challenge courses as a method of adventure education in Creative Learning Playschool(CLP). CLP is a daycare center that follows Finland's early childhood education curriculum. Commissioners of this study (CLP) recognized a need for guided activities to develop their curriculum. Four pilot exercises were executed during one month to introduce challenge courses to CLP. Observation, interviews with practitioners, and feedback surveys from children are conducted to collect data. Results showed challenge courses have the potential to create a fun and pedagogical learning environment for preschool children. The result also emphasized the role of practitioners in providing inclusive learning opportunities for all children. As a result, a guidebook has been developed to facilitate the application of the challenge courses for the CLP or any other daycare centers.