Exploring Preschool Teachers' Planning for the Implementation of Free Play Activities

Abstract

The outdoor activities component includes physical and free-play activities that aim to build fitness and stimulate children’s intelligence. Free play provides children the opportunity to make free choices about what, when, and how to play. Children are also free to determine the rules and their roles while playing. Therefore, this study aimed to explore preschool teachers' planning for the implementation of free play. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study research design. Research data were collected using semi-structured interviews and document analysis of four preschool teachers under Ministry of Education in Putrajaya. The data were then analyzed thematically using NVIVO 12 software. The findings of this study revealed that all study participants had relatively limited knowledge of preschool curriculum and pedagogy content. The participants also agreed that the learning environment and the preparation of materials and tools are criteria for preschool teachers' planning for the implementation of free play. In addition, it was also found that preschool teachers need to make preliminary plans to identify the children's existing skills. The constraint faced by the participants in planning is the time allocation specified in the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (NPSC) which is insufficient for the activities and management of free play implementation. Since the implementation of free play activities is a contributor to related domains of children's development, it should be well planned for a meaningful and enjoyable impact on children.