Analysis of the Interactions between Oldcomers and Newcomers in Kodomoen

A Case Study of a 3–year–old Children’s Class during the COVID–19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the interactions between oldcomers and newcomers in the early stage of a class of 3–year–olds in kodomoen based on social relationships advocated by Lave and Wenger. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic, we made new discoveries by observing and recording the interactions carefully between oldcomers and newcomers. The research objects were the documentations of children’s actions, which were analyzed as verbs. The results indicated that the act of caring was unique to oldcomers and newcomers, and the act of being cared for was frequently observed between 3–year–olds and those older. Additionally, on analyzing the acts of caring and being cared for, it was found that newcomers cared for others in situations related to things they were concerned about, while oldcomers cared for others according to their needs, just as 4–year and 5– year–olds do.