Worksheets Dilemma in Early Childhood Education: Why and How Much Do We Use?

Abstract

The study was structured to determine the opinions of preschool teachers and preservice teachers on the use of worksheets within the scope of literacy preparation practices and was conducted with 30 preschool teachers and 30 preservice preschool teachers. Under the guidance of the research questions, it was determined that there were differences in the use and reasons for worksheets by teachers and preservice teachers. At the end of the descriptive analysis, 4 themes emerged to discuss the worksheets' positive and negative aspects in early childhood education. These themes are conceptualized as effects on academic skills, effects on social life skills, effects on motor skills, and effects on parents. The findings also revealed that teachers use writing sheets more, while preservice teachers avoid book studies and worksheets.