Children’s Stake in Decision Making About Out-of-School Activities in Guatemalan Maya Families

• In Event: Ways of organizing learning in everyday settings: LOPI in Indigenous practices, values, and community collaboration

Abstract

This study examined first graders’ roles in deciding the activities in which they took part outside of school. In Guatemala, Maya first graders and one parent were interviewed separately in their homes about children’s daily activities. Findings indicated that children frequently recognized themselves as decision makers and contributors to mature activities, while also acknowledging their engagement in specialized child-focused activities. These results illustrate children’s understanding of their agency in decision making about types and frequency of activities and composition of companions. It is argued that the collaborative nature and real-life consequences first graders experience through observing and pitching in to mature activities (LOPI) may shape their developing sense of agency within a system of dynamic and interconnected Maya cultural practices.

Authors

• Pablo Chavajay, University of New Hampshire

• Cathy Angelillo, University of New Hampshire