A qualitative research for pre-school students in the context of 'happiness' from Rokeach's terminal values

In this study, it is aimed to research the concept of happiness, which is significant to the whole world, through the eyes of preschool children. This research is considered significant in terms of revealing the current perception of happiness and attitudes of pre-school children. The study group consisted of 24 pre-school children, with ages of 4-5, who study at the kindergarten of a primary school in Sakarya-Gevye in the 2019-2020 school year. In this research; document analysis and semi-structured interview techniques, which are qualitative research methods, were used as data collection instruments. Data collected was analyzed with the content analysis method. The data analysis process comprises of four steps: Coding, thematics, the arrangement of coding and theme, and interpreting of findings. According to the results of the analysis, it is indicated that the children express the concept of happiness with actions, setting and environment, values, and other themes. This research has shown that most of the children perceive happiness correctly and positively. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that values education can be conducted with suitable programs beginning from pre-school years in order to provide children's understanding and internalization of the concept of happiness.