Preparation of Play Space in the Kindergarten-Level Art Contest According to Free Play Concept Relate to Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Cognitive Development

Abstract

The participants in a kindergarten-level art contest differ from contestants in other levels in many ways. Thus, the space preparation requires a specific approach. This study aimed to explore the preparation of space for the kindergarten-level art contest and the usability according to the users’ feedback. The methodology used to conduct this study was mixed method by designing and preparing the space, observing the users’ behavior, and surveying the level of their satisfaction using simple questionnaires. The sample groups consisted of 24 kindergarten 1-3 students who participated in the 1st PTT Art Contest of Eastern Region, on September 9th, 2019, at the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, and 8 staff members who monitored the students. The space for the art contest was divided into 2 parts: the waiting area and the contest room. The space was approximately 90 square meters, and it was arranged to encourage free play. The results indicated that the contestants were interested in the waiting area and spent their time having fun with the pretend play area, the wooden blocks, the play dough, and the bookshelf, without paying attention to neither the television nor the smartphone. Meanwhile, the adult staff members could monitor the contestants conveniently. The contestants could stay in the contest room until they finished the contest without any help from their teachers. However, the contestants from K3 level could stay in the room longer than the contestants from K1 level. The overall satisfaction of the participants was high.