Educators language to support children’s learning about water phase transitions in preschool : A study of educators descriptions of how they use their language in planned and spontaneous activities

The aim of the study is to bring knowledge about how educators use their language to support children’s learning of water phase transitions in planned and spontaneous activities. Data was collected through individual semistructured interviews, eight interviews were carried out. The interview results has been categorised using an inductive analysis method. With the approach of variation theory, an analysis was based on the educators answers, where variations and critical features could be found. The result of the study shows four variations of language that educators use in planned and spontaneous activities about the phase transitions of water. The variations is everyday language, subject-specific concepts, simplified concepts and children's experiences. Educators consider changing language, where an everyday language is used and where subject-specific concepts are included as critical features. Asking questions and answering children’s questions was also considered as critical features in supporting children’s learning about water phase transitions.