How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?

Abstract Socio-dramatic play is a language-rich, absorbing form of symbolic play which naturally engages young children in portraying characters from domestic and fantasy narratives. This study explores the importance of socio-dramatic play in the classroom, set against the context of curr...

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Main Author: Stickley, Matilda
Format: Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Language:English
Published: 2014
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28122/
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author Stickley, Matilda
author_facet Stickley, Matilda
author_sort Stickley, Matilda
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description Abstract Socio-dramatic play is a language-rich, absorbing form of symbolic play which naturally engages young children in portraying characters from domestic and fantasy narratives. This study explores the importance of socio-dramatic play in the classroom, set against the context of current debates surrounding the formalisation of Early Years schooling. Using vignettes of socio-dramatic play taken from participant observation in an East Midlands reception class, themes of power in peer relationships, the construction of gender and the effects of adult interaction in play are explored. The study is child-centred and takes a multidisciplinary approach with analysis drawing on theories of post-structural feminism, symbolic interactionism and drama practice. The conclusion reiterates the need for adults to value, and interact in, imaginative play in a highly results- driven school culture. A discussion of suitable methodology for research with young children is presented, with suggestions for how the study can contribute to doctoral level research. The study will be of interest to Early Years practitioners, teachers, parents, policy makers and advocates for the child’s right to play.
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spelling nottingham-281222017-10-19T14:12:04Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28122/ How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom? Stickley, Matilda Abstract Socio-dramatic play is a language-rich, absorbing form of symbolic play which naturally engages young children in portraying characters from domestic and fantasy narratives. This study explores the importance of socio-dramatic play in the classroom, set against the context of current debates surrounding the formalisation of Early Years schooling. Using vignettes of socio-dramatic play taken from participant observation in an East Midlands reception class, themes of power in peer relationships, the construction of gender and the effects of adult interaction in play are explored. The study is child-centred and takes a multidisciplinary approach with analysis drawing on theories of post-structural feminism, symbolic interactionism and drama practice. The conclusion reiterates the need for adults to value, and interact in, imaginative play in a highly results- driven school culture. A discussion of suitable methodology for research with young children is presented, with suggestions for how the study can contribute to doctoral level research. The study will be of interest to Early Years practitioners, teachers, parents, policy makers and advocates for the child’s right to play. 2014-09 Dissertation (University of Nottingham only) NonPeerReviewed application/pdf en https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28122/1/Stickley_Matilda_Dissertation.pdf Stickley, Matilda (2014) How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom? [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]
spellingShingle Stickley, Matilda
How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title_full How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title_fullStr How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title_full_unstemmed How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title_short How is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
title_sort how is gender constructed and represented through socio-dramatic play in a reception classroom?
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28122/