Abstract
Background: Scholars of play in the field of education highlight the numerous benefits of
using guided play as a pedagogy to improve teaching and learning. However, guided play
presents a challenge for teachers in a school setting, as it requires a balance between free play
and structured play, which is difficult for teachers to navigate.
Aim: The research inquired into the development of a guided play framework in response to
student teachers being unable to guide learners during a guided play activity.
Setting: The framework was developed at a university involving first-year Foundation Phase
student teachers to address the major gap that was identified from the pre-service teacher
education course on guided play.
Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, analysis of students’ work
and a research journal.
Results: The major gap identified was that student teachers did not understand what it means
to guide during a guided play activity. Therefore, a guided play framework was developed to
facilitate students’ understanding of their guiding role.
Conclusion: The framework offers guidance to pre-service teachers on what to take into
account when designing and implementing guided play, clarifying their guiding role.
Contribution: Research on preparing preservice teachers to implement guided play is
limited. This framework contributes to preservice teachers’ skill set.