Chapter 7: Towards A Child-Oriented Perspective In Toddler Play

Nova is a girl of 16 months who has just started going to preschool. During her third week, this episode takes place. The children are outside playing on a bright September morning. Nova is sitting in a sandpit quite close to the pedagogue who is in charge of Nova’s introduction period in the preschool. Elliot (26 months) is a peer from the same group.

This story shows Nova’s experience as a newcomer in the preschool. Most children pass by and greet her in different ways while she is sitting and playing in the sandpit. She is welcomed, she is recognized, and she seems to enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Episodes like these demonstrate the social competence of toddlers who, without instructions, act as quite skilled playmates, peers, and friends-to-be. This chapter outlines interactions within a group of toddlers and reports their lived experiences as a means of illustrating issues related to research methodology, ethics, play, and learning.