Journal of Education and Human Development

Preschool Teacher Students’ Thinking of Play– in the light of Charles Taylor
Aase Nylenna Akslen, Ove Olsen Saele

Abstract
Reflections on young children's play as it appears in texts written by preschool teacher students will in this article be seen in light of the philosopher Charles Taylor's thinking about authenticity. In today's Norwegian reality there is a national framework plan for ECE, and all children from the age of 12 months, have the right to a place in early childhood education where they spend most of their playtime with a professional staff. This implies significant responsibility for the teaching staff, and expertise about play is essential to understand the importance for children’s development and formation. The ideal of authenticity as described by Charles Taylor can be a useful term in connection to young children’s play as he sees the importance of developing an autonomic and authentic identity. Human beings are reflecting on essential questions in life, and in that way able to make individual ideals of authenticity come true. Play is part of children’s normal behavior. Our preschool teacher students are reflecting on play in their creed-texts, and the importance of giving children time and space to play in kindergarten.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n3a6