The Role of Pedagogues in Children’s Play: How do Children and Pedagogues in a Danish Kindergarten perform playful interactions in order to develop a good environment?

The aim of the study is to explore how professionals develop a good environment in ECE settings in response to children’s perspectives. How do children’s perspectives in response to play affect the development of pedagogical practice? The aim of the study is to explore how professionals develop a good environment in ECE settings in response to children’s perspectives. How do pedagogues incorporate children’s play in developing pedagogical practice in order to support parental upbringing?Relationship to previous research worksThe study refers to previous work exploring playfulness in ECE settings (Bae, 2012; Koch, 2015; Jørgensen, 2018 in press)Theoretical and conceptual frameworkWe refer to a theoretical and conceptual framework that understands pedagogic as based on “sensitivity and tact” rather than instrumentality (Manen, 2008). We refer to narrative theory as an approach to comprehend the complexity of institutional life (Clandinin, 2013). Last we also call upon the fact that Danish ECE pedagogy has evolved from theories dating more than 100 years back; theories in which play is understood as crucial for children’s everyday life. Paradigm, methodology and methodsThe research is inspired by phenomenology, and we have a narrative approach, which we understand both as a phenomenon and a method (Clandinin 2013). Ethnographic field studies and narrative workshops with professionals and children were carried out during a year in two ECE institutions. Ethical ConsiderationsThe inquiry depends on informed consent and voluntary participation. Data is anonymized and high ethical standards are applied to minimize any distress caused throughout the research.Main finding or discussionPedagogues and children engage in playfulness in many ways both in activities and in spontaneous meetings. Pedagogues engaged in playful interactions perform at child perspective that offers children a high degree of participation. Implications, practice or policyThe study offers knowledge regarding how professionals meet children as active participants in Danish ECE in a way where children communities are highly valued. Therefor ECE settings offers an important environment and support for parental upbringing.