The effectiveness of early childhood education centre based dramatic play on the learning and development among four to five year olds at Nyachidze primary school

Abstract

The study sought the effectiveness of early childhood education centre based dramatic play on the learning and development among four to five year olds. The research study was carried out with twenty learners from forty one learners in ECD A classroom. Data was collected using observational methods, document analysis and interviews. The researcher used the qualitative research design for the gathering of information. The research findings indicated that dramatic play is effective on the learning and development among ECE learners. It has been established that as learners play at dramatic centre they engage in dialogue talking and listening to each other, hence developing language skills, they act out real life situations, imitating different people, using different materials and equipment hence developing physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills. Academic skills also develop as learners engage in dramatic play. However, there is need for the ECE teachers to provide adequate playing materials for dramatic play to be effective and to avoid unwanted behaviours like bullying and egocentrism. The study recommends the Ministry Of Primary and Secondary Education to have workshops with ECE teachers so as to equip them with the knowledge of the importance of dramatic play on the learning and development among ECE learners.