Preschool Teachers’ Strategies to Enhance Social Interaction Skills of Children during Playtime

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine how preschool teachers organize free play activities and what kind of strategies they use for enhancing peer related social interactions among 6-year-old children. The study was conducted in Ankara by interviewing with teachers to obtain their views and experiences on peer related social interaction during playtime and by observing them to learn their actions to facilitate peer interactions. Findings of this study are thought to highlight the importance of the teachers’ role in the development of social skills and peer relationships in early years.