The process of adapting the children to kindergarten in age homogeneous and heterogeneous classes

Abstract

Paper presents the results of qualitative research. The research focused on the progress of adaptation of children to the kindergarten in age-heterogeneous and homogeneous classes. The research was carried out in two kindergartens in the Czech Republic. Children aged 2.5 - 4 years were included. The aim was to describe the process of adaptation of children to kindergarten in age-homogeneous and heterogeneous class and to identify differences during the adaptation in these classes. The method of participating unstructured observations was used. The data obtained were analysed by open coding. Five meaning categories have been identified and described: separation of the child from parents, orientation, interaction with the teacher, acceptance of rules, social interaction and group chatter. The relations between categories and their interaction are described. The key category seems to be 'orientation'. It affects all other categories. This relation is mutual. In describing the categories, the emphasis is on the differences between age-homogeneous and heterogeneous classes. It turns out that the age structure of a class affects some areas positively, others negatively.