Observation of Play

February 2, 2009 from from 1-3 PM

Who: afternoon preschoolers
What: observation of children playing in a structured and non structured setting
Where: Children's Center on St. Norbert campus
Ages: 4 and 5
Gender: female and male
Demographics: all caucasian, mixture of low to middle SES

I was able to observe the preschoolers in both the more structured setting of circle time, but also during their non-structured free choice time. During the structured setting of circle time, the children are less likely to creatively play because they realize that it is time to sit and pay attention. During free choice time you are truly able to see how they interact. It was interesting to see three of the girls playing with the animals in the block area. It started off with two girls, and they were not very happy to include the third. When the girls play, it usually seems to be more loving and kind. That is of course not always the case. There are definitely exceptions. When the boys are interacting, they are usually more physical and playful. There are many other times when most of the preschoolers play very independently. They like to do things on their own or with teachers.