Play is dominant activity of the preschool children. Not only is it relaxing and fun, but it's also extremely important for the child's healthy development, so they can learn about themselves, others and everything around them. Adults often forget how important play is, because it's so free, intrinsically motivated and the child's natural activity. Play is influenced by variety od factors, including play materials, peers, age, gender. The role of the preschool teachers is also very important because they provide time, a safe and stimulating space, appropriate play materials, help to resolve conflicts, observe play, watch and document child's development and participate in play.
The role of the preschool teacher and his participation in the children's play is very important, in both, the 1st and the 2nd age group, but the role is a bit more important in the play of children aged 1-3 years, due to developmental characteristics (communication problems, fine motor skills, social behaviour, lack of understanding the rules of the games …).
The thesis entitled Preschool Teacher's Role in the Play of Children Aged 1-3 Years consists of a theoretical and an empirical part. In the theoretical part I defined play, the characteristics of children's play, the importance of play for children and the factors that influence play. I presented the types of play in terms of content and social participation. I defined toys and play materials. At the end of the theoretical part I focused on the role of the adult or preschool teacher in children's play. In the last chapter I described the characteristics of children aged 1-3 years in relation to play and toys. In the empirical part I described the methodology – the purpose and goals of the research, the research questions, the research method and the research sample. I described the process of data collection and processing and then I presented and interpreted the results that I obtained by surveying preschool teachers and assistant preschool teachers who have experience working with children ages 1-3.
Based on the data I collected through the questionnaire, I found out that most preschool teachers and assistant preschool teachers are aware of the importance of play for children's healthy development, are directly and indirectly involved in play and provide time, a safe play space and appropriate play materials.
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