DOS SANTOS RAYMUNDO, Luana; KUHNEN, Ariane    BRIOSCHI SOARES, Lia. The open space of day-care centers: a place to play and develop. Psicol. rev. (Belo Horizonte) []. 2010, 16, 2, pp.251-270. ISSN 1677-1168.

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of open spaces in day-care centers, relating physical aspects with their users’ games through the technique of behavioral mapping. The study was conducted in two educational contexts of the city of Florianopolis, Santa Catarina State, in which participants, children aged between 3 and 5, were observed during recreation. Data analysis showed a preference for certain kinds of equipment. In both contexts girls liked better Swing and Sandbox, while boys preferred multiple equipment (Firemen and Tarzan’s House). The kinds of equipment that had significant occupation were those that allowed greater playing diversity (Make-believe). We concluded that the physical properties of spaces allow predictability concerning some games and continuity to certain biological, social and cultural mechanisms experienced by their users

: environmental Psychology; observation methods; playing behavior.

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