The Play of Sikh Children in a Nursery Class and at Home

Abstract

Abstract Sikh children were observed in a multi‐ethnic nursery class. A time sampling method was used to record the numbers of children involved in different activities during free play. Staff involvement was also recorded. Sikh children were compared with indigenous white children and some significant differences were found between the results of the two groups. A number of Sikh parents replied to a questionnaire concerning their children's play interests at home. In the second part of the investigation six of the Sikh children were observed as individuals; their interaction, activity and location being recorded on a structured precoded observation schedule. Interaction between staff and children occupied only a small percentage of the time. Fine perceptual motor activity was the category in which the highest proportion of time was spent. The scoring of imaginative play presented some difficulties but few extended complex play bouts were observed. Parallel play was seen most frequently.