Reconstructing playschool experiences

The current study was conducted with groups of first grade children (aged six years) in two primary schools in Reykjavik in an endeavour to ascertain how they recalled and reconstructed their playschool experiences. The children's playschool teachers were co-researchers participating in the data generation; they were, at the same time participants in the study. The teachers' views on their encounters with the children during the research and on how the children recollected their playschool lives were also recorded. The study is based on a view of childhood as a social construction, and children as active participants and subjects constructing their own learning. Young children are viewed as competent and capable of not only participating and expressing their views, but also influencing their own lives and environment. Through group interviews and drawings, the children expressed their likes and dislikes in playschool. The most memorable activity was generally outdoor play, and relations with other children were the main source of happiness and sorrow. Children's lives are affected by the social context and key adults. The results of this study show that the participating playschool teachers and children co-constructed the playschool experience. By listening to multiple voices and perspectives the study endeavours to inform and challenge practice.