Browsing by Author "Ahonen, Klaudia"

Objectives The objective of this treatise was to clarify preconditions for adult participation for the under three-year-old children`s free play and its effects on the child`s development. It is expected that this treatise gives information about how the adult can participate in the under three-year- old child`s play in the free play situations of the early childhood education and how the adult`s presence in the free play affects the child`s later development. Methods This treatise was carried out as a qualitative treatise. Ideas which dominate on the field of the early childhood education were cleared in the treatise as a describing literature look from the phenomenon to be examined. A pedagogical treatise five (5) of which were university based studies was selected to be a research material altogether and two (2) polytechnic based studies. Results and conclusions The results of this treatise showed that adult`s participation in the free play required of the adult, I play the securing of preconditions, the creation of the safe play environment, attitude which is open to the play and presence in the play. For the play enough time, the suitable premises and toys which are safe to child. Placing of the adult and opportunity to touch during the play promoted the forming of the safe play environment near. The adult`s presence in the play meant not only active participation in the play but the adaptation of the own role according to children`s needs. The adult participation in the under three- year – old child`s free play promoted the child`s welfare, social skills and development of play skills. The adult prevented the establishing of the play roles in the group and helped the child to join the play along. The child committed more deeply to the play when the adult participated in the play. The results show that the adult strengthens the child`s development when participating in the free play.