Interview with Zsuzsa Laszlo: the ISSA Network’s Persona Doll learning community  

Early years settings have a huge role to play in society. They contribute to children’s learning and development, support them to develop social relations, and function as a ‘gateway’ into society. They also allow parents to work, engage in educational programs and even meet and bond with other parents. In most countries, early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers focus on continuity and stability, creating additional thresholds for families to meet, specifically those who have lower access to childcare.

The Persona Doll Method is a practical approach to help children talk about emotions and feelings in early childhood settings. The method provides a powerful, non-threatening, and enjoyable way to raise equality issues and counter stereotypical and discriminatory thinking with young children. The dolls help children express their feelings and worries, think critically, develop empathy, and challenge unfair treatment.

This handout presents in brief the Persona Dolls methodology and provides a brief and concise overview of how we can create a doll with personality, the main rules for making the dolls, the steps that need to be taken in advance, the main phases of a persona dolls session and some story examples that practitioners can use. Note: for everyone interested in the persona dolls methodology, it is advisable to undertake a training prior using the methodology.

As every year, we invite our members to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise in our network! Peer Learning Activities (PLA’s) remain highly valued by all members. It is therefore with great pleasure that we are launching the call for the 2019 Peer Learning Activities. Are you an ISSA Member? Please submit your application until 13 March 2019.