A1 Journal article (refereed)
Dialogues of Joy : Shared Moments of Joy Between Teachers and Children in Early Childhood Education Settings (2019)

Karjalainen, Satu; Hanhimäki, Eija; Puroila, Anna-Maija (2019). Dialogues of Joy : Shared Moments of Joy Between Teachers and Children in Early Childhood Education Settings. International Journal of Early Childhood, 51 (2), 129-143. DOI: 10.1007/s13158-019-00244-5

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Karjalainen, Satu; Hanhimäki, Eija; Puroila, Anna-Maija

Journal or series: International Journal of Early Childhood

ISSN: 0020-7187

Publication year: 2019

Volume: 51

Issue number: 2

Pages range: 129-143

Publisher: Springer

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-019-00244-5

Open Access: Open access publication published in a hybrid channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/65772

Abstract

The study focuses on teachers’ and children’s shared moments of joy in early childhood education settings and contributes new knowledge in educational research by exploring joy as a relational rather than an individual phenomenon. The theoretical and methodological framework draws on a narrative approach and Martin Buber’s dialogical philosophy. Data were gathered through video observations and diary notes in open ECE groups in Finland, with children from 2 to 6 years. The scenes of everyday life in ECE appeared to radiate an overall positive atmosphere. However, the relationship between shared joy and dialogue was multifaceted. On one hand, joyful moments between teachers and children provided opportunities for dialogical encounters. On the other hand, there were variations in how children could participate in joyful moments. The study challenges educators to reflect on the significance of joy in pedagogical practices. The study revealed that dialogical, joyful encounters do not occur due to purposeful planning. Instead, they require that teachers value the daily, bursting-forth moments as important spaces to create reciprocal, respectful relationships with children.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; teacher-pupil relationship; dialogue; joy; narrative analysis

Free keywords: Buber; dialogue; early childhood education; narrative inquiry; shared joy

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1