The purpose of this study was to investigate early childhood pre?service teachers’ perception on the
meanings of free play and the roles of teachers in charge of free play hours. For this purpose, this
study analyzed reflective journals, metaphorizing, image drawings, and interview records made by 69
junior students majoring in Early Childhood Education and participating in the practice of child care.
According to the results, the meanings of free play perceived by the early childhood pre?service
teachers were summarized into ‘an exciting festival,’ ‘a fenced playground,’ and ‘a journey for
learning.’ In addition, their perceptions on the roles of teachers in charge of free play hours were
summarized into ‘accompanying teacher,’ ‘leading teacher,’ ‘correcting teacher,’ and ‘encouraging
teacher.’ These results suggest the need of systematic education through pre?service curriculums
that help early childhood pre?service teachers form a balanced view and perception on the meaning
of free play and the teachers’ role performance.