Investigation of Childhood Games in the Lives of X, Y, Z Generations

Abstract

Play has an important role in the healthy development and the learning of the child. The development of technology and digitalization has led to many changes in human life. Type of plays children are involved from different generations has been influenced by this change. This study was carried out to examine the perceptions and experiences of people from different generations (X, Y, and Z Generations) about their childhood plays in terms of types, materials, and playgrounds they preferred in their childhoods. In this research, case study which is one of the qualitative research methods was used. The data were collected from the pre-service early childhood education teachers, their parents, and their grandparents throughout the 2018-2019 academic year. X generation includes the people lived their childhoods during the 1960-1980 years. Y generation includes the people lived their childhoods during the 1980-2000 years. Z generations includes the people lived their childhood since 2000 years. Data was collected via semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. According to the results of the study, while generation X evaluated the play as child’s work and the need of the child, generation Y and Z defined it as entertaining activity. While hide and seek, handkerchiefs were the most preferred plays in all three generations, it was seen that generation Z was involved in activities such as computer games and watching television. While the play materials of generation X and Y were natural materials such as mud, soil, stones, sticks, sticks, industrial, Z generation mentioned from artificial play materials such as toys, dolls, crayons. While the X and Y generations choose open playgrounds, it seen that the Z generation prefers indoor playgrounds more.