Pop-up loose parts playgrounds: learning opportunities for early childhood preservice teachers. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simoncini, Kym; Lasen, Michelle
• Is Part Of: International journal of play. Volume 10:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 93
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Pop-up playground -- loose parts -- preservice teachers -- service-learning; Play -- Periodicals; Play; Periodicals; 155
• DOI: 10.1080/21594937.2021.1878775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2159-4953

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Play is a cornerstone of early childhood education. However, recent trends of schoolification and school readiness have meant that academic learning and adult-guided play are often privileged over free play. The aim of this study was to explore how a service-learning experience, in the form of organising and running a pop-up playground for young children and their families, would promote learning about and advocacy for play among early childhood preservice teachers (PSTs). Thirty-six PSTs enrolled in a second-year early childhood education unit in an Australian University were required to advertise, organise and facilitate a loose parts playground at a local park as part of their coursework. PSTs were asked to reflect on their learning from the event. Findings suggest that a service-learning pop-up playground was highly successful in promoting PST learning about children's play, loose parts and the adulteration of play. Learning about advocacy for play was less evident.