Browsing by Author "Niemelä, Senni"

Objectives. Studies before show that orchestrating free play in kindergarten is rare. Free play is thought to be children's own activity what adults shouldn't interrupt. However studies show that it's orchestration of play that creates free play and supports child's development in many levels. The objective of this study is to find out kindergarten teachers perception and experiences of 3–5-year-olds play orchestration. Study clarifies kindergarten teachers opinions of free play and methods to orchestrate play. Methods. This study was conducted as a qualitative research. The research material was collected by using a theme interview and the interview was arranged as group interview. Two kindergarten teachers metropolitan area were interviewed. The material was analysed by using content analysis. Results and conclusions. Kindergarten teachers felt that play and play orchestration is an important part of their work. Kindergarten teachers felt that play orchestration starts with observation and lead to more direct methods like participating in children's play. Observations were used in planning activities and as help in liaison with parents. Teacher took her observations of children's interests in consideration of planning guided activities and organizing physical spaces. Direct methods were used with children who had problems with play skills and engaging in play. Teachers who were interviewed descriped to use diverse methods to orcestrate play. However, previous studies have opposite results. The subject should be studied with a bigger sample, and in addition to the interview one should observe kindergarten teacher's work to see if teachers do as they tell in the interview. Study shows that kindergarten teachers knowledge of orchestrating play is defective. With more studies we could survey teachers know-how and possibly arrange more education of play orchestration.