The shared joy of dynamic play in linguistically and culturally inclusive early childhood education

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Abstract

This study explores how playful practices support joy and inclusivity in Finnish early childhood education (ECE), particularly in multilingual and multicultural settings. Play is central to children's holistic development, promoting social engagement, agency, and a sense of belonging. Through a case study in two Finnish ECE centres, the research examines what playful practices foster joy in children and how joy emerges and manifests in linguistically and culturally diverse play environments. The study employs video recordings, observations, interviews with children, and research diaries to capture moments of shared joy expressed through laughter, mimicry, and physical interactions. Findings highlight that joy in play is deeply relational, co-constructed, and multimodal, transcending linguistic barriers. Embodied play, parallel and simultaneous activities, dynamic interactions, and shared joy contribute to a rich and inclusive learning environment. The results suggest that play is not only a source of individual joy but also a medium for strengthening peer relationships and fostering a sense of community. By situating joy at the heart of inclusive pedagogy, this study underscores the transformative potential of play in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, supporting the Finnish educational ethos of fostering environments where all children can thrive.

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Keywords

joyful play, participation, inclusion, linguistic and cultural diversity, early childhood education

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