Premium
Research with young children: Exploring the methodological advantages and challenges of using hand puppets and draw and tell
Author(s) -
Coyne Imelda,
Mallon Deirdre,
Chubb Emma
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
children and society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.538
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1099-0860
pISSN - 0951-0605
DOI - 10.1111/chso.12452
Subject(s) - agency (philosophy) , participatory action research , space (punctuation) , citizen journalism , psychology , power (physics) , atmosphere (unit) , sociology , pedagogy , developmental psychology , social science , computer science , physics , quantum mechanics , anthropology , thermodynamics , operating system , world wide web
This paper explores the methodological advantages and challenges of participatory tools used in research with young children in Ireland. Taking a child‐centred approach, hand puppets and ‘draw and tell’ helped elicit children's expressions and meanings. Both techniques assisted in shifting the power balance between children and researchers, encouraged dialogue, created a fun atmosphere and promoted children's participation. When children are given the space, opportunity and means, and with skilled facilitation, they can clearly share their perspectives and meanings. It is important that researchers and practitioners use techniques that will facilitate and maximise young children's competencies, agency and preferences.