Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to explore the impact game and play has on skills
development in early childhood education in schools at Effiduase South Circuit in the
Sekyere East District. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. A
sample of 200 participants was selected using purposive sampling technique for the
study. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical Product and
Service Solution (SPSS-version 2.1) was used to aid in the analysis of the quantitative
data. It was found out that children who were exposed to various forms of play
perform well in their cognitive, motor, social and emotional and speech and language
skills development. Based on the findings it was concluded that provision of different
types of play and play materials gave the children opportunity to learn through
manipulating and experimenting for themselves. Finally, it is recommended that, the
Ministry of Education needs to come up with clear policy guidelines regarding play in
pre-school centres. The supervision of ECE centres‘ need to be enhanced to ensure
teachers allocate adequate time and play materials to enable children develop skills
for holistic development. Also, teachers should be encouraged to take a major role in
planning and organizing play activities.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Early Childhood
Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, submitted to
the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Master of Education
(Early Childhood)
in the University of Education, Winneba
