Children's early experiences of educational transition can be a critical step in their life-long learning journey, yet we know very little about their perceptions of this experience. This paper draws on the findings of a participatory study, which identified rules and rewards as being significant factors for children transitioning from an early…

Examined transcribed episodes of preschoolers' play collected in another study to compare differences in the ways blind and sighted children have access to physical space, experience social interaction, and create meaningful symbols. Found that differences in visual ability may impede togetherness. Devised strategies for educational practice and…

Investigated how Greek kindergartners construct and negotiate the context of their shared beliefs, experience, and interests through the form and meaning of their social behavior. Found that prosocial behavior in the form of empathy was a commonly accepted peer culture concern. Empathy forms either a friendship criteria, which questions the issue…

Discusses the need to study the social interactive dimension of learning, attempting to formulate a definition of togetherness on a theoretical basis. Explores processes in early childhood that relate to understanding how children learn to maintain togetherness in their group activities, and how a strategy for togetherness may prepare children for…

Examined observational data on daily activities in a day care center to articulate different manifestations of playful actions and analyze their role in creating and maintaining togetherness. Found that, in their play, children were subjects and active agents in creating their own culture, realized throughout the day by means of humor, fantasy,…

Presents three examples of the beginnings of togetherness among young peers, ages 1-3 years. Considers psychological processes underlying their activities and the characteristics of the settings in which these activities occur. Discusses these examples in the context of a definition of the social interactive dimension of learning, and the…

Discusses verbal strategies used by young children to express and construct a sense of togetherness. Presents the case study of one child, 3-5 years old, in his interactions with other children and teachers. Describes three general mechanisms for expressing togetherness: expression of common ground, of cooperation, and of care. (JPB)

Investigated preschool children's behavior during play, focusing on conflicts that occurred during leisure time and comparing differences between children from Andalusia and Holland. Found that Andalusian children showed a tendency to prioritize maintenance of the interaction above personal objectives; Dutch children showed a greater interest in…