Effects of language skills on learning achievement of pre-schoolers in Kabete Zone, Kikuyu District

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of language skills on learning achievement of pre-schoolers in Kabete zone, Kikuyu district. The objectives of the study were: to determine activities used in teaching reading skills, to establish activities used in teaching writing skills, to find out activities used in teaching listening skills and to determine activities used in teaching speaking skills.

Descriptive survey was used. Seven public preprimary schools were randomly sampled. Through purposive sampling seven headteachers and seven ECD teachers of the sampled schools made up the sample size. Questionnaires targeting headteachers and ECD teachers were the research instruments. Qualitative and quantitative data was integrated during the discussion. Data collected was coded and the results were presented in form of tables.

The findings of the study were that majority of the ECD teachers used varied language activities in teaching language skills and this has a positive impact on learning achievement of pre-schoolers in Kabete zone. Some of the recommendations made were: the government, through the ministry of education may offer comprehensive training to ECD teachers, close monitoring and supervision of ECD programmes should be enhanced and also practice of reflective teaching should be introduced.