Talking over children’s drawings about their favourite play times: how do children describe their play?

ABSTRACT

This study investigated how children describe their play activities and associate learning with play. Accordingly, 23 early childhood children from different cities and age groups were included in this phenomenological research study. Incorporating images of children’s drawings of their favourite playtime and semi-structured interviews, three main themes were developed: types of play, play for feeling, and play for learning. The findings revealed that none of the children mentioned that their favourite play activity took place in school; however, almost all of them believed that they could learn while playing. Moreover, children who prefer digital games (watching videos and playing games) are not aware of what they are learning from the activity. These findings support the need to promote learning through play in schools. Additionally, the role of adults and their awareness regarding digital games must be taken into account.

KEYWORDS:

• Early childhood
• drawings
• play
• children’s perspective
• playful learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elif Buldu

Elif Buldu was born in Turkey on February 2, 1987. She received a Master's degree in 2014, and a Ph.D. in 2018 from Middle East Technical University. She teaches undergraduate courses in early childhood education. Her research focuses on pedagogical documentation, playful learning, and science education in ECE. Dr. Buldu has published refereed articles within early childhood education and presented conferences on topics related to early childhood education. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education, TED University, Turkey.

Metehan Buldu

Metehan Buldu was born in Turkey on January 10, 1983. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007, a Master's degree in 2010, and a PhD in 2016 from Middle East Technical University. He teaches undergraduate courses in early childhood education. His research focuses on assessment in early childhood education, teaching dispositions, and professional development. Dr. Buldu has published refereed articles within early childhood education and presented conferences on topics related to early childhood education. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Early Childhood Education Kırıkkale University, Turkey.