The Use of Play and Inquiry in a Kindergarten Drama Centre

• In Event: Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Teacher Research: The Role of Inquiry in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

The kindergarten drama centre is a place where children recreate familiar play scenarios, explore new ideas and feelings (Schwartz & Copeland, 2010) and engage deeply in learning. Miller and Almon (2009) suggest that play is critical to children’s development. However, play is often contested as parents question its relevance at school (Ashiabi, 2007) and schools focus on academic achievement and readiness (Bedrova & Leong, 2003; Miller & Almon, 2009). Much of the literature on play focuses primarily on its importance (Ashiabi, 2007; Bedrova & Leong, 2003) and resources (Schwartz & Copeland, 2010). In contrast, what we learn from teachers’ stories can be a valuable, adding nuance to current understandings of how play extends learning.

Author

• Laura Lynn Hope-Southcott, Lakehead University