AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY IN THE PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM

ABSTRACT

The study was based on the need to investigate the importance of play in the preschool classroom. To this end, the research questions were formulated to guide the study to find out the effect of play on preschool literary skills and to determine if play method influences the holistic development of a child

A descriptive survey research method was adopted for this study. the population consist of 66 preprimary schools (12 government and 54 private) in Oredo Local Government Area. A sample of 100 teachers from 10 government schools were selected from the population. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. the results showed the effect of play on preschool literary skill is high and it has positive effect to preschool classroom. Also, play method influences the holistic development of a child, it helps to enhance the emotional, mental and physical development of the preschool child and also affect academic performance of the preschool child in a positive way. Furthermore, the use of play aided instructional materials helps to foster socialization amongst preschool child and play is an important factor in determining the outcome of the preschool child’s academic and mental performance. The study recommends that play materials should be made available in preschools to enhance children’s play performance and preschool teachers should engage children in play activities for a healthy preschool classroom.