Cautionary Tales on Interrupting Children's Play: A Study From Sweden

Abstract

Play is a natural and significant aspect of children's learning and development. Adults can be important to children's play, as they act as “play agents.” Their involvement significantly influences the quality of the play activities in which children engage. The author briefly reviews the theoretical assumptions about adults' role in children's play to provide context for a study conducted in a preschool setting in Sweden. Observations from the study of adults' interaction with children during their playtime shed light on the potential negative effects of adult actions that may interrupt children's play. The study provides recommendations about ways to carry out daily preschool routines that do not impede the ongoing learning and development processes that may be occurring during play.