The Meaning of Childcare Teachers' Experiences in Participating in a Picture Book Reading Community

Objectives This study aimed to explore the experiences of childcare teachers participating in a picture book reading community and to examine the meanings revealed through these experiences. Methods For this purpose, five childcare teachers from D City were selected as research participants. The picture book reading community sessions for the childcare teachers were conducted 10 times from August 13, 2023, to December 3, 2023. Data collection included group interviews, journal entries, and book reviews related to their experiences in the picture book reading community, which were subsequently analyzed. Results This study revealed the following outcomes for childcare teachers participating in the picture book reading community: First, teachers became active readers by exploring the nuanced meanings of picture books and engaging deeply in the reading process. Second, they embraced diverse interpretations, discovered new meanings, and experienced collective growth. Third, they underwent personal transformations as readers, took on new challenges, and developed their own unique reading worlds. Fourth, they engaged in practical learning that revitalized their educational practices. Conclusions Participation in the picture book reading community allowed childcare teachers to enhance their literary sensitivity and literary competence. Moreover, the picture book reading community proved to be a valuable platform for fostering meaningful learning and driving tangible changes in educational practice.