Impact Of Play On Academic Performance Of Learners In Selected Early Childhood Education Centres In Mbita West Zone, Mjuta Division In Mbita Township Village Of Suba District, Kenya

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the study was to determine impact of play on academic

performance of early childhood education in Mbita West Zone, Suba

district, Kenya. The research objectives were; to investigate the common

types of play, to determine the factors that hinder children's play to

determine the impact of play on academic performance of early childhood

education and to determine the importance of play on early childhood

development in Mbita West Zone, Suba district, Kenya. The methods

used for data collection were questionnaires to both the teachers and

learners.

The study revealed that play helps the children perform well in class, it

makes the children like the school environment, children who play do

not find difficulties in solving problems and play improves children's

performance in the later years The study revealed that the most

commonly games mentioned were football and net ball, hide and seek,

running and jumping, riding bicycles and driving toy cars and swinging

parallel play, followed by collaborative play, negotiating play.The study

revealed that the factors hindering children's play were poverty and

gender inequality. The study revealed that play makes muscular

development and control of large muscles, play helps the children to

develop the language skills and through play children's explore the word

around them of play fully.

Govemment should make sure that early childhood centers have enough and strong playing materials before they are licensed. The community and parents should be sensitized about the importance of playing so that they also participate in children's playing activities. Schools should make sure they fulfill what is in the curriculum by involving children in playing activities. Play and play materials should be one of the key topics taught to teachers so that they understand the importance of play fully.