Influence of parental characteristics on performance in language activities of pre-schoolers in Nyando division, Kisumu county, Kenya

Abstract

The present study focuses on parental characteristics that influence performance in language activities of pre-schoolers in Nyando division. It sought to assess if household composition, parental income, level of education and parental occupation influence performance in language activities of pre-schoolers. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design since it focuses at one point in time. The findings were obtained using a questionnaire that was administered personally by the researcher. Demographic profiles established that the majority of parents were self-employed. In terms of parental income, majority of parent respondents (55%; n=55) earn less than Ksh. 5,000/= and their children’s level of performance in language activities is rated as very low since majority of preschool children had not performed well in language activities. The study established that majority of the respondents (47%; n=47) were KCSE certificate holders. From the findings the preschool children whose parents attained degree level of education had higher rates of performance in language activities in preschool while the children from parents who attained KCSE certificate level and below had lower performance in language activities. Household composition findings showed that majority o f respondent s come from single- parent family and their children’s preschool performance in language activities rate is very low. The study found out those children from polygamous families performed poorly in language activities. In the findings of the parental occupation, majority of the parent respondents ( 40%; n=40) were self employed while 38% (n=38) were unemployed. Only 22% (n=22) were employed. The parents who were self- employed were mostly peasant farmers and small scale business men. The study concluded therefore that parental income, parental occupation, household composition and parental level of education influence preschool education hence performance in language activities of preschoolers in Nyando division.