This paper presents the research behind the formulation of a new didaktik model on waste and material resources in preschool. The research was part of an extensive collaborative R&D programme, involving close to 300 preschool teachers/managers and researchers, to build systematic knowledge on what may characterize teaching in preschool based on scientific grounds and proven experience.

The article is guided by the question What can characterise the “what”, “how”, and “why” questions of teaching from the standpoint of a post-structurally and didaktically informed teaching arrangement in the preschool? The substudy is based on material consisting of 251 documents, including co-plans, videos (5.5 hours) and photo documentation, as well as co-assessment.

This themed issue presents the results of a collaborative conceptual replication study based on a research and development (R&D) programme entitled “Multivocal teaching in preschools”. The issue is practically and theoretically positioned in a Continental–Nordic didaktik tradition, specifically a critical-reflective one.