The impact of play on skills development in early childhood education at Effiduase south circuit in the Sekyere East District

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.