Background, the preschool class has in recent years become a compulsory grade in the Swedish schools. At the same time the academic demands in mathematics increased. Simultaneously the Swedish National Agency of Education called Skolverket points out the benefits of learning through play. The purpose of this empirical study is to find out what kind of play-based methods teachers use while teaching mathematics in the preschool classes, and what might cause these selections. By the method of a case study four teachers were observed while combining play and mathematics in their preschool classes. Even individually interviews were made. The results indicated a variety of play-based methods existed in the mathematical activities in preschool classes. Both between schools and teachers. The majority of the teachers based their teaching more on methods with academic learning rather than play. Education, time for planning, experience, academic demands and the teachers view on play all affected the choice of method. As a conclusion we can submit that teachers in the preschool classes use different play-based methods to establish mathematical learning for their students. While teachers can see the gain of working with play there are many factors that influence the play-based method.

The study has been conducted with the purpose to increase knowledge about preschool teachers´ conceptions and how play emerges as a tool for stimulating children´s learning and development in the reasoning of preschool teachers. A qualitative method with semi-structured interviews and a flexible interview guide was used to collect data. A phenomenographic analysis model has been used, along with Vygotsky`s sociocultural theory, to analyze preschool teachers´ perceptions and experiences towards play and play as a tool for this study. The result shows different nuances of conceptions and of the preschool teachers roles in play such as directive, non-directive, roleplaying, interest-creating, attentive, safety-promoting, guiding, supporting, and participating. Childrens influence over play activities is identified by the preschool teachers in pedagogical documentation, mapping and the preschool teachers coordinated reflection work injunction with their planning of the preschool environment, by adding or removing different materials or make other changes in the play and learning environment with the aim to stimulate children´s creativity or interest. In this study these changes are limited by the different preschools economy to create appropriate learning environment and to acquire relevant material. The results indicate that preschool teachers´ participation in play is seen as crucial for the development and conditions of play. The preschool teachers emphasize that play is always prioritized, but their participation varies somewhat in terms of being non-directive, directive, role-playing, interest-creating, guiding, safety-promoting, or participating. Children´s influence on the activities is made visible in various ways trough documentation, mapping, and reflection work when preschool teachers plan, provide materials, and make changes in the play and learning environment to stimulate children´s creativity and interests. However, it is evident that there are certain limitations in terms of finances and suitable premises that can have a negative impact. / Studien har genomförts med syftet att öka kunskapen om hur förskollärare uppfattar sitt förhållningssätt samt hur leken som verktyg för att stimulera barns lärande och utveckling framträder i förskollärares resonemang. En kvalitativ metod med semistrukturerade intervjuer med en flexibel intervjuguide har använts för datainsamling. En fenomenografisk analysmodell har tillsammans med Vygotskijs sociokulturella teori använts för att analysera förskollärares uppfattningar om leken och leken som verktyg för denna studie. I analysen av studien framträder förskollärares olika förhållningssätt och deras roll i leken. Resultatet visar en bredd i förhållningssätt och roller, såsom styrande, icke styrande, rollspelande, intresseskapande, inlyssnande, trygghetsskapande, vägledande, stöttande och medlekande. I resultatet framkommer att förskollärares uppfattningar om lekens betydelse har stor inverkan på hur de prioriterar leken i sitt arbete. Förskollärares deltagande i lek uppfattas ha en central betydelse för lekens utveckling och förutsättningar. Studien visar att leken alltid prioriteras, men förskollärarnas deltagande varierar från icke styrande, styrande, rollspelande, intresseskapande, vägledande, trygghetsskapande till medlekare. Barns inflytande i verksamheten synliggörs på olika sätt till exempel genom dokumentation, kartläggning och reflektionsarbete när förskollärare planerar, tillför material och förändrar i lek- och lärmiljön för att stimulera barnens kreativitet och intressen. Det framkommer att det finns vissa begränsningar vad gäller förskolornas ekonomi för att skapa ändamålsenliga lokaler och att ha tillgång till relevanta material.

Denna studie undersöker hur lärare i fritidshem arbetar med lek som ett grundläggande pedagogiskt verktyg i fritidshemmets undervisning för att uppfylla de riktlinjer och mål som anges i fritidshemmets läroplan (Läroplanen för förskoleklass, grundskolan och fritidshem 22 kap. 4, 2022 [Lgr 22, 2022]). Genom en kvalitativ studie intervjuades lärare i fritidshem om deras metoder för att planera och genomföra lekbaserad undervisning enligt Skolverkets riktlinjer (Lgr 22, 2022) och vilka hinder de möter i den vardagliga praktiken. Resultatet av studien visar att trots flera försök från Skolverket att skapa tydligare riktlinjer i fritidshemmets läroplan, finns det fortfarande ett behov av ytterligare förtydliganden.  Resultaten betonar också hur viktigt det är att lärarna har kompetensen att tolka läroplanen och anpassa sin undervisning så att den fungerar i praktiken och samtidigt uppfyller läroplansmålen. Genom en djupare insikt i dessa resultat kan förståelsen för kollegialt lärande, fortbildning och utveckling av lekbaserad undervisning i fritidshemmets undervisning förbättras. / This study examines how after-school care teachers use play as a fundamental pedagogical tool in after-school teaching to meet the guidelines and goals outlined in the after-school curriculum (Curriculum for the Preschool Class, Compulsory School, and After-School Center, Chapter 22, Section 4, 2022 [Lgr 22, 2022]). Through a qualitative study, after-school care teachers were interviewed about their methods for planning and implementing play-based teaching according to the guidelines of the Swedish National Agency for Education (Lgr 22, 2022) and the obstacles they face in everyday practice. The study's results show that despite several attempts by the Swedish National Agency for Education to create clearer guidelines in the after-school curriculum, there is still a need for further clarification. The results also emphasize the importance of teachers having the competence to interpret the curriculum and adapt their teaching so that it works in practice while also meeting curriculum goals. A deeper insight into these results can enhance the understanding of collegial learning, professional development, and the advancement of play-based teaching in after-school education.

South Africa‟s recent participation in the national, regional and international studies revealed that the South African learners perform poorly in mathematics when compared with other same-level learners in other participating countries. In response to the results, the Department of Basic Education implemented intervention strategies such as Foundations for Learning and the Systemic Evaluation among others to enhance learner performance in mathematics. This study investigated the role of Grade R teachers in creating a conducive environment for learning numeracy using schools in the Vhuronga circuit of the Vhembe District in South Africa as case studies. The investigation encompassed: (a) the extent to which Grade R teachers create a conducive environment for learning numeracy; (b) how Grade R teachers are implementing the numeracy curriculum and (c) classroom factors that influence approaches teachers employ during numeracy teaching. A qualitative methodology using case study research design was adopted for collecting data in Grade R classrooms at Vhuronga. Interviews, observation, and document analyses ensured valid data. Qualitative data analysis involved coding and categorizing patterns from field notes in order to identify themes for discussion. The study established that inadequate resources which include limited classroom space, lack of appropriate learning materials, furniture, and in-service teacher training programmes, were impediments that restricted Grade R teachers from creating a conducive environment for learning numeracy. The study further established that whole-class teaching dominated numeracy lessons. A few teachers who taught small classes implemented a variety of play-based activities that encouraged interaction and exploration of adequate learning materials in small-groups in order to create a conducive environment for learning numeracy. In contrast, most teachers with large classes considered the classroom layout fixed. The teachers arranged the desks in rows and engaged the whole-class in similar learning activities. Additionally, the study established the need for ongoing training to refine and update teachers‟ skills in creating well organized classrooms that are conducive for numeracy learning. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education should create opportunies for Grade R teachers to participate in regular in-service training that emphasize practical work, in order to strengthen their capacity in creating conducive classrooms for learning numeracy and ensure quality education. / Mathematics Education / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Observations of young children are conducted in an educational setting by practitioners to plan and assess activities based on the individual development and needs of the child. Challenges include: recording, how to be an observer rather than a participant, and connecting developmental theory to observable behaviour.Several projects have simulated children in their learning environments, aimed mainly at pre-service teachers, but these have neither been for young children where the activity is play-based nor where the adult is supportive of the child's interests. Some simulations have used 3D graphics to represent a child via a role-playing adult but there have been few attempts to use autonomous characters.A novel real-time interactive 3D graphical simulation—Observation—was developed, providing a physical sandbox for users to: add autonomous characters (representing children), add objects, and customise the play-based environment. The definitions of the characters were informed by the findings from early childhood research. The simulation was evaluated using two complementary serious game frameworks and its utility was evaluated by professionals within the field of early childhood education comprising university students and educators, and local education authority advisors. An explorative, mixed methods approach was taken, triangulating across: a pilot study and a main study; different research instruments (simulation activity plus questionnaire, focus groups, interviews); and a range of participants. The simulation has utility because: it is an interesting way to explore the behaviours of young children, the theoretical understanding behind children's play can be deepened, and observational skills can be developed. The simulation has wide appeal because the perceived utility of the simulation is not influenced by: professional experience, number of real-life observations of young children, or time spent playing video games. Age is considered to be the most important omission from the abstract character in the simulation.

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Current policy to extend early childhood education by placing grade R in public primary schools is politically, economically and educationally motivated. Quality education in grade R has definite long term economic advantages and could ensure equal educational opportunities. The educator is a key factor in this issue and her perception of her work life determines to a large extent the success of the initiative. The work fulfilment of the grade R educator is approached in this research from a labour law perspective and was conducted in the field of Education Law. The philosophic base of Education Law is found in the German educational term geborgenheit, which refers to the safety and security of all role players in education. The experience of security is regarded as a prerequisite for work fulfilment. The Constitution, education legislation, labour law, relevant case law and the common law were studied as legal determinants for work fulfilment. A qualitative enquiry into educators’ perceptions of their work life was conducted amongst participants in a specific area, which included schools from different socio–economic and cultural backgrounds. The essence of the findings is that, in spite of the existence of legislation which in principle should provide for physical and psychological security, educators still experience insecurity and therefore a lack of work fulfilment because of the ineffective implementation of law and policy. Widespread ignorance regarding the nature of quality education in grade R exists and the insistence on educator centralised teaching limits the work fulfilment of especially well–trained educators. Awareness of the advantages of a play based, whole–child approach has to be developed. This approach, as well as knowledge of legal determinants, promote work fulfilment, since both serve the best interests of the child as well as the educator. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Current policy to extend early childhood education by placing grade R in public primary schools is politically, economically and educationally motivated. Quality education in grade R has definite long term economic advantages and could ensure equal educational opportunities. The educator is a key factor in this issue and her perception of her work life determines to a large extent the success of the initiative. The work fulfilment of the grade R educator is approached in this research from a labour law perspective and was conducted in the field of Education Law. The philosophic base of Education Law is found in the German educational term geborgenheit, which refers to the safety and security of all role players in education. The experience of security is regarded as a prerequisite for work fulfilment. The Constitution, education legislation, labour law, relevant case law and the common law were studied as legal determinants for work fulfilment. A qualitative enquiry into educators’ perceptions of their work life was conducted amongst participants in a specific area, which included schools from different socio–economic and cultural backgrounds. The essence of the findings is that, in spite of the existence of legislation which in principle should provide for physical and psychological security, educators still experience insecurity and therefore a lack of work fulfilment because of the ineffective implementation of law and policy. Widespread ignorance regarding the nature of quality education in grade R exists and the insistence on educator centralised teaching limits the work fulfilment of especially well–trained educators. Awareness of the advantages of a play based, whole–child approach has to be developed. This approach, as well as knowledge of legal determinants, promote work fulfilment, since both serve the best interests of the child as well as the educator. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.