Abstract:
This paper examines the findings of a case study that investigates the views of Samoan and Tongan female early childhood student teachers ideas of the term ‘play’ (Leaupepe, 2008a). The paper focuses on how their views have influenced the ways in which interactions between themselves and young children have occurred through play. By exploring their own childhood play experiences, cultural beliefs and values of play, parental attitudes towards play and understanding theories of play, student teachers were able to critically reflect upon the impact this has had towards their own teaching practices. The paper discusses tensions that exist with current policies related to play and explores the implications this may have for Pasifika early childhood teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand.