Use of traditional games towards kindergarteners’ participation in numeracy activities in South Tongu District

Abstract

The study examined how the use of traditional games towards kindergarteners participation in numeracy activities in the South Tongue District. The explanatory sequential design was adopted for the study. Using the simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 137 kindergarten teachers were involved in the study. The questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide were used to gather the requisite data for the study. The data were analysed through the computation of descriptive statistics such as frequencies, and percentages for the quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. The study revealed that, teachers in the South Tongu District use different types of traditional games such as Oware, Ampe, football games, Adiforfor, Anuti kple atortor games during their numeracy lessons. Also, active participation of learners as well as the cultural relevance of traditional games are some of the benefits that are derived from their usage in kindergarten centres in the South Tongu District that eased understanding of mathematical concepts. The study further revealed among others that the continuous professional development of teachers as well as the availability of enough resources to ensure the smooth implementation of traditional games in numeracy contents. The study, therefore, recommends that the South Tongu Educational Directorate and schools should organise regular workshop activities centred on the significant role of the use of traditional games in teaching and learning at kindergarten centres.