| Summary: | This research sheds light on how implementing flow in preschool settings can support better communication in children’s groups and the educator’s practice. The sociocultural perspective, emphasising how social context affects children’s development and learning, guided the research. In addition, the study focused on play as the main approach for young children’s learning and how preschool teachers and other educators can support play-based learning. Previous studies show that preschool children learn through play, where their interest and initiative are valued. Studies have also shown that flow gives children more authority over their own learning, which supports their well-being. The study builds on Csikszentmihalyi’s theory about flow, where the focus is on the children’s initiative and interest. According to Csikszentmihalyi, flow is the state reached when motivation leads to complete concentration and immersion in activities. Some preschools in Iceland have adopted the ideology behind flow and made changes in their practice accordingly. The daily schedule is flexible regarding flow, and children have more time to play. Finally, theories on educational leadership guide the research as it was among the topics under investigation. The leader’s role was to guide their colleagues through the transition process and into the implementation of new practices. The study constituted an action-research project conducted in the preschool department of a rural school, which is operated as a joint preschool and elementary school. The action research process lasted for two years. This methodology proved an effective approach for teachers to implement changes in their practice and professional development. Eight educators participated in the research project, including two master’s students who are co-authors of this paper. Two participants were qualified teachers, and four had no teacher education. Between 20 and 26 children (depending on the semester) were enrolled at the preschool during the study period. The children ...
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