Table 4.
Thematic categories of pedagogical practices reported in ECEE studies.
| Practice category | Number of studies (% of overall sample)a | Example of practices associated with category |
|---|---|---|
| Time in Nature | 50 (76%) | Visiting a natural area Gardening Playing with natural materials |
| Play and Movement | 38 (58%) | Allowing children to play freely Engaging in imaginary play Incorporating movement |
| Knowledge and Skill Development | 28 (42%) | Collecting and analyzing data Working within a theme Solving problems |
| Social Interaction | 24 (36%) | Working in small groups Discussing with classmates Sharing findings |
| Creative Arts | 21 (32%) | Creating artwork Watching a puppet show Singing songs |
| Time to Reflect, Think, and Observe | 20 (30%) | Observing nature Journaling Reflecting on feelings |
| Action Taking | 11 (17%) | Recycling Making an action plan Planting trees |
| Family Connection | 11 (17%) | Sharing experiences with family Conducting a family project Suggesting family activities |
| Personal Connection | 11 (17%) | Connecting to existing knowledge Sharing personal experiences Emphasizing local ways of knowing |
a
In order of decreasing frequency (n = 66).