The relationship between memories in early childhood and the experiences of child care and education (2) : How do types of child care and education affect childrenu27s experiences?

摘要

We analyzed memories of 91 university students concerning their experiences of child care and education. We asked them if they experienced play-centered child care or undifferentiated uniform education when they were preschool children. Thirty-six percent of the participants responded the former type of education and more than half of them the latter type. Memories concerning their teachers or caregivers were more or less related to positive emotions. On the contrary, negative emotions were related to uniform education or every day routines that they experienced. We also investigated another group of 33 adults who experienced play-centered child care at a certain kindergarten where children’s spontaneous activities were respected. Many of their recollected memories involved their plays. They reported fewer events or experiences related to negative emotions. It is considered that investigations concerning early childhood memories might suggest preferable type of child care and education which is difficult to identify.