Impact of Play Materials on Social Emotional Development of Pre-school Children in Ngewa Zone, Kiambu County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the Impact of play materials on social emotional development of preschool children in Ngewa Zone, Kiambu County. The objectives included identifying the types of play materials given to preschool children in order to enhance social emotional development, establishing the availability of play materials in preschools used to enhance social emotional development and to investigate the safety measures put in place on play materials to enhance social emotional development of preschool children. The study used qualitative research which was descriptive and details were given in words. The accessible population was ten preschools, ten teachers and three hundred learners whereby simple random sampling technique was employed to identify respondents. Research instruments used included questionnaires, interviews and an observation schedule. Presentations of research findings was done using data analysis charts, tables, bar graphs, percentages, and frequencies which reveals that play materials have a net positive effect on social emotional development of preschool children. The study recommended that head teachers of respective preschools should have adequate play materials for children. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education should formulate adequate policies that would ensure all public and private preschools are funded enough to purchase, install and ensure availability of play materials in preschools.