Wintz, Godryne2013-07-162013-07-162013-07-16https://hdl.handle.net/2139/16094Paper presented at the Biennial Conference of The University of the West Indies Schools of Education, 23-25 April, 2013, St. Augustine, Trinidad and TobagoChildren's play is often trivialized and is generally assumed to be something "easy," non-serious, simply fun, and interesting. This study questions adult-centric constructions and assumptions of play as trivial, enjoyable, interesting, and stress-free activities for children. Two key aspects that steered the research were: children had valuable perspectives on their own play experiences, and an awareness of the need to articulate children's perspectives. The aim of the study was to examine Guyanese children's perception of their play experience. Consequently, the research question addressed was: What meanings do children ascribe to their play? Twelve five-year-olds from one private nursery school participated in the study. The study draws upon ethnographic data obtained via participant observations and photo-elicitation interviews. Field notes and transcripts of audio-recorded talk during play interactions in the school setting, and the photo-elicitation interviews facilitated the analysis of the data. Findings revealed that children's perceptions of play widely contrast with adult-centric constructions of play as easy, unimportant and non-serious activities for childrenenChildrenPlayAttitudesConference papersGuyanaPresentation