PLAY AS A WAY OF LEARNING FOR YOUNG CHILDREN: PERCEPTION OF CAREGIVERS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the perception of caregivers on play as a way of learning for young children. A total of 221 caregivers were randomly selected from 82 pre-primary school in Ilorin west local government area in Kwara state. 145 caregivers were female while 76 were male. A researchers’ design questionnaire titled ‘Questionnaire on Caregivers Perception of Play as a Way of Learning (QCPPWL) was used to obtain the data for this study. The data were collected using a researcher design questionnaire and was analyzed with the use of frequency counts, percentage, t-test and analysis of variance. The findings revealed that caregivers had positive perception of play as a way of learning, the findings also showed that there was no significant difference in the perception of male and female caregivers on play as a way of learning. It was unfolde4d that educational qualification and teaching experience had significant influence on caregiver perception on play as a way of learning. Amongst others, it was recommended that workshops and seminars should be organized for Care givers to improve both their perception and ability to use play for children’s learning.