Browsing by Author "Kazanjian, Loucine"

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    Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions and Implementation of Free Play at the Armenian Schools of Lebanon
    (2021) Kazanjian, Loucine
    Recent literature in Early Childhood Education underscores the importance of play, in general, and free play, in particular, in the early years of children’s lives. However, little is known about free play and its implementation in Lebanese Kindergartens. This research involved a qualitative case study of Kindergarten teachers’ perceptions and implementation of free play in the Armenian schools of Lebanon. Data sources included a questionnaire with open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews. Twenty-five KG teachers from 8 schools participated in the study by completing the questionnaire and of which 22 were interviewed. Data was coded, patterns were identified, and themes emerged through conducting thematic analysis. The results assured the implementation of free play in the Kindergartens of the Armenian schools of Lebanon; however, differences were noticed with regards to time and place of implementation as well as the teachers’ role during free play. The teachers considered that free play is crucial in early childhood and that its benefits suppress its disadvantages. However, they gave little time for free play. Moreover, at times, free play was replaced with structural play, because the teachers thought that the latter would lead to more learning. The findings of the present study are discussed in light of the existing literature. Culture-specific contribution is highlighted as well as recommendations for future research and policy.