CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

All preschool children have a right to play. Play is a process by which children learn both educationally and socially. Good quality play opportunities have a significant impact on child psychological and social development. (Moore, Goltsman, & Iacofano, 1992)

Play involves the whole child. Thinking, creative expression of thoughts and feelings, and physical demands all interact in the dynamic process of play. Children learn about relationships with peers, significant adults, and the world around them through play activities. They experience the full range of their senses and feelings, how their bodies move through space, and how their imaginations can create alternate worlds of existence. When children build with blocks or sand, romp through the modules of a playground superstructure, learn limits and bond through rough and tumble play, or express themselves and represent the world through hundreds of different materials, they reap the benefits of play in thousands of different ways. They are constantly learning and developing, becoming healthy, well-balanced individuals through play.

“Play is fun!” is how children usually respond when interviewed about play. But play is more than just fun. Play is engaging, voluntary and spontaneous. Play is a way for children to learn more about whom they are and what they can do. Play is a way for children to test limits, engage in fantasy, and learn about others. Researchers and scientists disagree as to why play is so important for children, but they all agree that play occurs the world over, and that children benefit in many ways from free play.

Play in the Nigeria over the last decade has gone from being almost exclusively an outdoor activity to one that is often situated indoors in front of televisions and computers. Schools, especially preschool so often concerned with academic development, have sacrificed outdoor play, and administrators may not be aware of the dire consequences for children. Outdoor play is very different than indoor play, and the unique skills developed during outdoor play cannot be developed completely through indoor play alone.