From outdoor to indoor: lessons for Indonesian ECE educators on facilitating children’s play-based learning

A qualitative child-centered design employing drawing-telling activities and qualitative content analysis was utilized to explore young children’s experiences and preferences regarding indoor and outdoor play environments of 26 Indonesian children aged five to six years living in Semarang, Indonesia. The findings revealed that Indonesian children living in Semarang tend to choose indoor play-based learning by necessity, as reflected by their perspectives and experiences in indoor and outdoor play areas. Children’s increasing engagement in indoor play may represent contextual necessity rather than genuine preference. A further study should consider exploring the relationships between parents–teacher beliefs and their young children’s preferences for indoor and outdoor play settings. Research on Indonesian children’s experience of play-based learning in other areas of Indonesia and adult involvement can also be investigated further investigated. Educators (teachers and parents) can facilitate children’s growth and development by balancing their play activities (indoor-outdoor).