Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to examine the preschool teachers' experiences in effectuating educational environments that develop creativity. The data of the study were collected via semi-structured interviews with nine preschool teachers working in an independent kindergarten in Buca, Izmir using interview forms, in the spring term of the 2021-2022 academic year. The sample of this phenomenological study was determined by the typical case and criterion sampling methods. The collected data were analyzed by content analysis method. When the experiences of the preschool teachers in educational environments that develop creativity are examined, revealing an original idea, product for the definition of creativity, educational environments that develop creativity having an effect on the child's social-emotional development competencies, on free self-expression, in order to motivate children in psychological education environments that develop creativity ensuring that each child can express her/himself comfortably and work freely are the most frequently expressed opinions. The experiences expressed by all participants are that they use technological tools in the classroom for a physical education environment that develops creativity, that it is difficult to create a physical education environment that develops creativity and that they cannot find enough space and materials in the classroom.

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