The influence of mother tongue on pre-school children`s performance in the English language in Gachoka division, Embu county

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of mother tongue on pre-school children’s performance in the English language in Gachoka Division Embu County. The study used a descriptive survey design which used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect the data. The participants included headteachers, pre-school teachers and pre-school parents from eight pre-schools. Data was collected using questionnaires for the headteachers and pre-school teachers while interviews were used for pre-school parents. Data was analyzed using percentages and frequencies and presented in tables and charts. The study revealed that mother tongue contributes positively towards the learning of the English language in pre-schools. It further revealed that parents had a negative attitude towards the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction. The study concluded that the language policy should be implemented in pre-schools and that the stakeholders should ensure that there are enough learning materials in pre-schools.