Abstract:
The objectives of this research were 1) to study the need of teachers organizing outdoor play for preschoolers, 2) to prioritize organizing outdoor play for preschoolers by teachers, and 3) to propose the approach in supporting teachers in organizing outdoor play for preschoolers. The sample was 397 preschool teachers in school under the office of the basic education commission from every region in Thailand. Research instruments were questionnaire and focus group. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, standard deviation, and paired-samples t-test. Additionally, Modified Priority Needs Index and content analysis were also utilized. The results were as follows; 1. The mean scores of the performance for teachers organizing outdoor play for preschoolers competency in reality were significantly different from the mean scores of it should be at .01 in all aspects as follows; planning aspect included time, space and material management. Play organizing aspect included playing which foster physical, socio-emotional and cognitive improvement. Teachers role aspect included teachers role as participant, supporter and helper. That means the preschool teachers needs to develop organizing outdoor play and learning activity for preschool in all aspect 2. The most critical needs was planning, followed by play organizing and teachers role. The most critical needs in planning was outdoor space management. The most critical needs in play organizing was playing which promoting cognitive development. The most critical needs in teachers role were teachers role as participant and supporter. 3. The important guideline for teacher in organizing outdoor play for preschoolers in each aspect are: planning aspect, motivating teachers to recognize the value of outdoor space. In organizing outdoor play aspect, educating teachers about organizing integration play. In teachers role aspect, creating awareness of teachers role in participant and supporter children in outdoor play.