Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the role of early childhood head teachers
and teachers in the inculcation of play in instruction in the Cape Coast North
Metropolis. The study was nested in the mixed methods approach where the
quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Thus, questionnaires and
interview guides were used as data collection instruments. A sample size of
125 teachers and 10 head teachers were selected for the study. The findings
revealed that head teachers in the Cape Coast North Metropolis support
teachers in the inculcation of play in teaching pre-school pupils by providing
play materials, supervision of teachers, training and education of teachers as
well as motivation of teachers. Again, it was found that play activities
employed by teachers in the inculcation of play in instruction included
integration of games and songs in the classroom learning activities and
engaging children in outdoor play activities. However, it was found that some
challenges that limit teachers in the use of play in their teaching processes are;
inadequate in-service training, limited play materials, unavailability of play
space and centres. It was recommended that early childhood centres should be
allocated sufficient time in the timetable for children to engage in play
activities. Time allocated for play activities should not be used for teaching
other subjects. Also, teachers in the pre-school should improvise in making
available some play or instructional materials needed in play activities during
instruction and head teachers should strengthen their supervision and
monitoring roles to motivate teachers to use play activities effectively in
teaching.
