Uppeldi og menntun - 01.07.2006, Side 96

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abstract
The purpose of the study was to shed light on children’s views on their preschool
education and the transition to elementary school. The study was conducted with
a group of 5 and 6 year old children in one playschool in Reykjavík. The study used
varied research methods, such as group interviews, children’s photographs, children’s
pictures, and a questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the children had
strong opinions about their playschool life and ex­pressed them clearly. Many of the
children saw attending playschool as a part of their life-long learning, while others
saw it as a place to stay when their parents were working. Good relationship with
other children, being able to choose what to do, and playing were most important in
the view of the children. activities that required the children to sit still and be quiet
were not regarded as interesting. The children stated that they could decide about
their play but had little influence on the organization and the rules of the playschool.
The study showed very individualized results regarding what materials and playt-
hings the children liked most in the playschool. í spite of transition activities including
visits to the elementary school, some of the children were anx­ious and worried about
starting school.
l e iks­kó­l inn frÁ s­ jó­narHó­l i Barna