What do 19% men among the staff in the nature and outdoor preschools in Norway imply? Olav B. Lysklett, Associate Professor Queen Maud’s College of Early Childhood Education

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor INTRODUCTION One goal in the action plan for equality in preschools is 20% men in preschools in Norway 5700 men in preschools in Norway which is 9% of all the staff In the nature and outdoor preschools there are almost 20% men (Løge Hagen, 2005) The number of preschools which call themselves nature and outdoor preschools has increased rapidly the last five years.

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor What characterizes the nature and outdoor preschools in Norway? Study of 39 nature and outdoor preschools (Lysklett 2005) The majority of nature and outdoor preschools are private They are small units They spend a lot of time outdoors They use regular reference areas They focus on developing motor skills, social skills and knowledge about nature

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor Headmasters brief statement: “We spend a lot of time outdoors”

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor Headmasters brief statement: “The day-care center is located in or near beautiful natural areas”

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor Headmasters brief statement: “We want the children to have good outdoor experiences and learn about nature”

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor RESEARCH QUESTION What characterizes men that work in the nature and outdoor preschools? What are the main reasons that so many men work in nature and outdoor preschools?

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor METHOD A questionnaire, 6 pages, consisting of 37 questions 79 men from 44 nature and outdoor preschools and 42 men from 21 traditional preschools answered the questionnaires 75% response for both types of preschool

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor RESULTS

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor RESULTS What characterizes men that work in the nature and outdoor preschools? a relatively young group of men. The average age was equal for both types of preschool at around 35 60% of the men that work in nature and outdoor preschools stated that they use their leisure interests to a “large or very large” degree in their daily work men from nature and outdoor preschools were more active than the men from traditional preschools

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor RESULTS Why have you chosen to work in this particular preschool? Men in traditional preschools Men in nature and outdoor preschoolst-test Sign. I prefer working in a traditional preschool p < I just happened to get a job in this preschool p = I like better working outdoors than indoors p < I particularly prefer to work in this type of preschool p = I want to give children many experiences in nature p = I want children to acquire valuable knowledge about nature p = I believe that being outdoors a lot influences children in a positive direction p = N=38-42N=73-78

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor

RESULTS Other reasons why so many men work in nature and outdoor preschools A new arena might appeal to men No walls or “women`s culture” in the room Easier to influence the culture of a smaller preschool

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor RESULTS Statements related to workplace satisfaction Men in traditional preschools Men in nature and outdoor preschoolst-test Sign. I like it best when we are indoors at the preschool p < Working indoors is more varied than working outdoors p < I believe natural sciences are important topics in preschool p = Working outdoors is more varied than working indoors p < I prefer working outdoors rather than indoors p < I like it best when we are outdoors with the children p < My work gives me great freedom p = N=40-42N=78-79

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor CONCLUSION Focus on nature and outdoor activities in traditional preschools might increase the percentage of men in preschools! What do 19% men among the staff in the nature and outdoor preschools in Norway imply? –The culture in each preschool –Men`s influence on the children –Childrens play with men

Olav B Lysklett, Associate Professor Thank you for your attention!