Analysis of science picture books produced by pre-early childhood teachers in connection with raising animals

Objectives This study analyzed the themes of science picture books produced by pre-early childhood teachers in connection with their experience raising animals, the composition of stories and picture expressions included in the picture books, and identified problems that may arise when pre-early childhood teachers conduct early childhood science education. We sought to explore implications for early childhood science education classes at early childhood teacher training institutions. Methods We collected animal raising observation logs, individual story boards, production intentions, group story boards and picture books, and individual evaluation sheets from 15 third-year students in the Department of Early Childhood Education at a four-year university in the Gyeongbuk region, focusing on the text and pictures of individual story boards and science picture books. Themes and characteristics were analyzed, and analysis was conducted to find meaning in the individually written production intentions and evaluation sheets. Results First, most of the topics of the individual story boards and group picture books composed by pre-early childhood teachers appeared to deal with the growth process of animals, and topics related to the preciousness of life and love of nature were not included. Second, the pre-early childhood teachers composed stories and expressed them with pictures based on what they observed, but it was confirmed that some of the content and picture expressions contained scientific errors or were different from what was observed. Conclusions Picture book-making activities linked to raising animals are the same as writing observation logs, composing individual story boards, producing and sharing picture books for each group, and writing peer evaluation sheets. By providing opportunities for repeated reflective thinking, pre-early childhood teachers can check for errors in their practical knowledge. It is an effective teaching method that can help form correct scientific knowledge.