There are relatively few preschools in Sweden that have an animal profile. Previous research on the interaction between children and animals has mostly focused on how adults explain the relationship between children and animals. The purpose of this study is to explore how children express the way in which they experience preschools that focus on work with animals. I then take this data and compare it to earlier research. Vygotskij’s thoughts give the theoretical framework for the study. A sociocultural perspective lifts the notion that all learning occurs in social relationships. The conception of mediation through language and the zone of proximal development are two relevant characteristics of the study. I visited a preschool with an animal profile and used qualitative interviews and observations in order to gather data. The children express that they experience happiness when working with the animals. In their words, dogs are playmates and comforters. The children enjoy playing, riding and caring for the animals. Occasionally children express fear around the animals. Research shows that children receive unconditional love and learn the social rules of relationships with animals. Children learn to read the animal’s body language. This leads to a better understanding of relationships with people. Friendly petting of the animals along with the animal’s non-judgmental presence stimulates oxytocin production. This leads to contentment and relaxation. The interaction between children and animals promotes self-esteem, empathy, responsibility and gross-motor skills development. This study shows that in situations where fear is experienced, the outcome can lead to increased bravery and sense of responsibility. At all times during the interaction between children and animals learning is taking place. An interesting conclusion of this study is that it is possible to achieve all of the goals outlined in the Curriculum for the Preschool by working together with children and animals.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:sh-41897 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Enegård Hall, Sandra |
| Publisher | Södertörns högskola, Lärarutbildningen |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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