Music-inspired free play to foster scientific exploration in early childhood
Abstract
Background: The importance of music and play in early childhood development is widely
acknowledged. However, no recent studies have investigated the potential of music-inspired
free play to foster scientific exploration.
Aim: The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explain the rationale in utilising musical
skills, knowledge and experiences during free play to foster scientific exploration, applying a
constructivist approach with the learner placed at the centre of the educational process, while
the teacher acts as observer and facilitator.
Setting: Data were primarily collected through documents to create a concept map that
informed observations of preschoolers during free play at two day-care centres in Mohadin in
the North-West Province of South Africa.
Methods: An explanatory case study provided the context for this study and a document
analysis informed the findings.
Results: Through data analysis, key themes were identified from the literature and observations
to generate a conceptual model that illustrates the influence of music-inspired free play to
foster scientific exploration by stimulating creativity and emphasising the necessity of free
play in preschool settings.
Conclusion: The conclusion of this investigation was a better understanding of the capacity of
young learners to apply scientific exploration, utilising a transdisciplinary approach for
teaching and learning the sciences in the early years to develop a better understanding of their
world through music-inspired free play.
Collections
- Faculty of Humanities [2033]