INFLUENCE OF PLAY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN ANAMBRA STATE
Abstract
Play has been a natural activity which serves as a learning tool and as well a recreational activity for children. The recent reduction in the activity of play bore the concern of the researcher towards investigating the influence of play on the physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development of preschool children in Anambra State. Instead of meaningful play activities, academic curriculum and screen time has replaced the core activity of preschool children. High screen time among children has reduced the physical movement of children thus it affects their fine, gross motor skills and socio-emotional development. The study aimed investigated the influence of play on the development of preschool children in Anambra State. The findings of the study indicated that play; to a high extent has a positive influence on the physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development of the preschool children in Anambra State. Therefore, it was recommended among others that parents, teachers, and curriculum planners should create more time for play in preschools. That is, various kinds of play should be creatively infused during classroom activities.
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