Getting Back to the Root of Kindergarten: Using Literacy-Based Materials to Enhance Play Centers

This mixed methods action research study aimed to determine what kindergarten students do when literacy-based materials are integrated into pre-existing play centers. Additionally, the researchers wanted to discover student and teacher perceptions of literacy-based materials used to enhance play in the classroom. To do this, a pre- and post-survey was given to student participants and field notes were taken daily during center time. A pre- and post-focus group was facilitated with student participants, and a pre- and post-interview was facilitated with the teacher participant. The data collected over four weeks was analyzed using the constant comparative method. Researchers found that student and teacher perceptions of play centers grew to be more positive after the literacy-based materials were integrated in. Students enjoyed writing what they wanted, being creative, and reading books on their own. Meanwhile, the classroom teacher observed how the literacy-based materials were able to enhance the students’ play.