The purpose of this research was to explore how the meaning of plays perceived by
children by analyzing children’s image of the plays they perform during free-choice
activities. A total of 131 children (61 children aged 4 and 70 children aged 5) was chosen
for this study. The study then analyzed the pictures drawn by them and the interviews
about their drawings. Based on the results of the analysis, the children’s meaning of
free-choice activities were classified in terms of children themselves, peers, toys and
emotions. First, the children’s images of the plays during free-choice activities consisted of
the plays children can freely do; the plays that make them happy; and the plays that are
fun doing alone. Second, in the pictures the children drew, they created things that are
more fun to play with friends, the friends with whom they care share about playing, and
the virtual friends they play with. Sometimes, friends were something that interfered with
their playing. Third, children’s toys formed the image of plays and the children embraced
and understood the diverse roles of the real world through them. Also, for children, toys
were thing that connected the real world and virtual world. Fourth, children had a positive
attitude toward plays during free-choice activities. The results of this research will help reestablish
the meaning of plays perceived by children and develop play oriented educational
curriculum and activities. Furthermore early childhood teachers will promote understanding
of the nature of play and the educational advantage about play in the education field.