Search results for: Play

This case study examined how early childhood teachers’ beliefs and practices influence the function of preschool outdoor play. Teachers’ perceptions about outdoor play included the theme of outdoor play opportunities afforded children on the playground. Additional teachers’ perceptions included barriers to outdoor play and teacher preparation and planning for the outdoor environment.The early childhood teachers at the center believed that supervision is paramount during children’s outdoor play. The teachers viewed their primary responsibility outdoors as keeping the children safe and providing guidance, yet allowing children to play without teacher intrusion. Furthermore, teachers perceived that outdoor play opportunities were limited due to the physical space and the fixed equipment outdoors.

This article aims to describe two studies that examined the effects of training and coaching on preservice teachers’ implementation of an intervention focused on teaching play to young children with disabilities. The results indicated that didactic training alone was not associated with changes in teacher behaviors. However, training plus coaching resulted in teachers’ increased use of the intervention package. Child pretend play behaviors also were examined in Study II and increased with the teachers’ high-fidelity use of the intervention.

The paper describes how field studies can be useful in teacher education. Students teachers participated in a specialty area called Play, learning and development. During this activity, the student teachers collected data about their own and young children's experience and perception of the outdoor environment. The results showed that the student teachers were positive about the involvement of children, teachers, and parents in the data collection process. They also perceived that their knowledge had increased about children's ways of using the outdoor space.