Nordic-Baltic physical activity (PA) network defined the typical features of schoolyards in different countries through the previous project (NPHZ-2017/10130). Results demonstrated that schoolyard
design and facilities are characterized by flat terrain covered mostly with asphalt and artificial cover and dominated by sports field of international standards which is of limited use apart from physical education (PE) lessons, but pupils prefer vegetation, comfort, and versatility in schoolyards. PA and outdoor activities are reduced to a minimum, due to pandemic and huge use of IT items and education from home. Preliminary scientific data reveals dramatic decrease in PA and increase in sedentary behaviors of schoolchildren due to COVID-19 pandemic effect. The idea of this project in cross sectorial cooperation between universities and schools from Estonia, Iceland, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway, as well as interested stakeholders will be to develop unique learning and educational environments to reduce sedentary time and increase physical literacy of schoolchildren. The benefit of the project will be for pre-service and in-service PE teachers to gain an innovative approach in theoretical and practical skills as well as to enhance attractive, interdisciplinary education possibilities in schoolyards, respect for nature and surroundings, pupils’ PA and well-being. It is a need to promote outdoor affordances for teaching and learning to support sustainable development in the Nordic-Baltic countries. The aim of this project is to develop and provide recommendations how schoolyards affordances can be used in an authentic and supportive environment for educating physically literate and active schoolchildren in era of digitalization, to develop open platform for primary school teachers, physical educators to share good practice and innovative ideas.
The project duration is three years. Activity period 09/2021 – 06/2024
Total budget is 164 320 EUR
The amount funded by Nordplus: 82 160 EUR
