LEISURE TIME AND PRESCHOOL CHILDREN’S NEEDS

The article discusses the issue of children fulfilling their needs in their leisure time. The introduction describes the concepts of leisure time, preschool children’s leisure time, and preschool children’s needs. The research aimed to define what needs preschool children fulfill in their leisure time and what forms of activity they prefer. The research method was individual interviews. The study group counted 88 children aged 4-6 years old. Conducted analyses are qualitative. The research conclusions are the following: in their leisure time, children take activities of their own free will, out of adults’ control. They fulfill these needs, which they cannot fulfill in preschool institutions and at home. These include the need for rest and sleep, need for hunger and appetite, need for closeness and affiliation, need for physical activity, and need for pleasure. Children prefer activities, that serve to achieve their inner balance, give pleasure, give the possibility to act freely, unleash positive emotions, joy, and satisfaction.