Abstract Book of the 9th World Conference on Research in Teaching and Education
Year: 2025
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The Interplay of Early Childhood Transitions and Connectedness to Nature
Sanja Tatalović Vorkapić, Dunja Anđić
ABSTRACT:
Previous research, particularly in Croatia, has shown a lack of alignment between educational practice and scientific knowledge, largely due to the diversity of approaches implemented during transition and adjustment, which are often carried out without clear guidelines. Certain aspects of educational practice, such as play in nature and children’s connectedness to nature, have not yet been examined in the context of transition and adjustment—especially in toddlers.
This study therefore focuses on analysing whether toddlers’ connectedness to nature can predict the quality of their transition and adjustment in kindergarten. A representative sample of N = 627 children (297 girls), with an average age of M = 2.46 years (SD = 0.57; range 1–3 years), was assessed by 60 early childhood educators. The quality of transition and adjustment was measured using three variables: difficulties in transition and adjustment, satisfaction with transition and adjustment, and quality of cooperation with parents during this period. Toddlers’ connectedness to nature was assessed using the Connectedness to Nature Scale, supplemented with general socio-demographic data and ratings of ease of working with children.
In addition to the established significance of predictors such as children’s age and gender, ease of working with children, and educators’ professional experience, greater connectedness to nature emerged as a significant predictor for two outcomes: higher satisfaction with transition quality and better cooperation with parents during the adjustment process. These findings are highly relevant for guiding future research and improving educational practice in the context of early childhood transitions.
Keywords: Adjustment in Kindergarten; Connectedness to Nature; Early and Preschool Care and Education; Toddlers; Transition from Family to Kindergarten