Interactions of Year 4 pupils during playtime in the school playground

Abstract

The study is based on the way pupils in the same class organise themselves into groups in the school playground. This study has involved a year 4 class from a Maltese state school. These groups are formed on the basis of gender, friendships and common interests. The status of children was reflected on friendship patterns, and hence the work has analysed what rendered children popular or unpopular among their peers, and how power is organised in the group. Thus, leadership was also looked at, which starts showing from a very young age. The study looks into the way in which timid and powerless children are bullied by dominant children. Children's perspectives and views about friendship, its formation and functions, aversion and bullying are also explored. As a conclusion practical recommendations for schools and teachers are suggested on the basis of the main findings for the study. These recommendations are given so that children would benefit from their playground experiences.