Effects of television watching on English Language developement of pre-school children in Githurai zone, Ruiru district

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of television watching on English language development of Pre-school children in Githurai Zone, Ruiru District. There was need to establish whether television watching improved the language development of children especially in English. The objectives of the research were as follows: (i) To determine whether television watching affected oral development of English language of pre-school children in Githurai Zone, Ruiru District. (ii) To establish whether television watching by pre-school children had an influence on their listening skills in Githurai Zone, Ruiru District. The sample size for the study comprised of20 pre-school teachers, 10 pre-school children and 20 parents who had children in pre-schools. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews guide. It was analyzed through descriptive statistics and use of chi square statistic in testing of hypothesis. The finings of the research were as follows: (i) Television watching affected oral development in English of Pre-school children. They are able to develop faster in English speaking, than those who do not watch television. (ii) Television watching improved the listening ability of pre-school children. They were very keen in their examination that is given verbally than those who did not watch television. The recommendations made included children be guided in watching educational programmes on TV for they improve both oral and listening skills of the children. Further research to be done on a wider area but on the same topic and also to determine whether television watching had an effect on Kiswahili language development of pre-school children.