Influence of Play Method on Academic Performance in Mathematics of Preschool Children in Chogoria Zone, Nithi County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess intluence of play method on academic performance in mathematics of preschool children in chogoria zone. Nithi County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: Examine the intluence of types of play method on mathematics performance in preschool children in Chogoria zone; Establish the influence of attitudes of children towards play method on mathematics performance of preschool children in Chogoria zone; Examine the influence of time allocation to play method on mathematics performance of preschool children in Chogoria zone: and establish the influence of learning environment to play method on mathematics performance of preschool children in Chogoria zone. To obtain the sample, stratified random sampling procedure was used on a target population of 1200. The study adopted the quasi-experiment research design. The data was gathered from the preschoolers and preschool teachers from Chogoria Zone and was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation schedule. Data was analyzed using both descriptive by utilization of Statistical Packages for Social Service (SPSS). The research found out that the preschoolers' mathematics academic performance improved when teachers adopted play method in their teaching. The study established that for each of the play methods applied by the preschool teacher, there was a skill projection which the children were expected to learn. The study also established that the majorit\ of the children had a positive attitude towards learning. The positive attitude of children contributed to good performance in mathematics. The researcher also established that high involvement led to high performance in mathematics. The study concluded that the preschool teachers utilized play method when teaching mathematics to a great extent. The play methods were perceived by the preschool teachers to make learning interesting and enhanced the rate of understanding of different concepts that they taught the children. I he researcher also concluded that high involvement of children in play method led to high performance in mathematics. Thus, the play method being instrumental in making learning in mathematics should be made an integral part of teaching of mathematics. From the study, it was established w hen use of play method especially music/ songs in teaching mathematics was used, performance was good. The study recommends that the Ministry ot Education make music mandatory as a subject in preschools in Kenya. The Ministry should also ensure incorporation of affective and social aspects in the curriculum