The use of multimodal materials and their contribution to the development of role play
Abstract
In preschool education, space takes the role of a «3rd teacher» in the group of two educators. Educational approaches emphasize learning through playing, connecting space with learning/development procedures. During role playing children think using mental images. The importance of mental representation in the process of children’s cognitive development is connected to their spatial activity. Opportunities to play with objects and develop role playing enhance their initiatives and self-action. The participation of our school in the program «Designed for Better Learning» led to this action-research.
The goal was the development of role playing by using the changing spatial elements that compose a structure. The research questions are the following:
a) In what way will a particular structure help children self-act, express themselves and design to create their own spaces?
b) How will it contribute to the development of social skills?
This research was conducted in a class of 4-5 year-olds. The results showed that the structure encouraged children to intervene, form their own spaces according to their preferences/interests. Positive relationships were developed, social skills were cultivated, leading the children from “me - my space” to “we - our space”. This way, changing spatial elements contribute to an upgrade of the educational environment.
Article Details
- Section
- THEMATIC FIELD Ι Transformations of schools’ spaces and educational change
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