Running head: ROLE OF GAMES IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION ROLE OF GAMES IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION Role of games in preschool education Name Institution Course TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………...3 2.0 General background………………………………………………………………………...3 2.1 Importance of games in preschool education……………………………………....3 2.2 Aims of the research………………………………………………………………..5 2.3 Thesis statement……………………………………………………………………5 3.0 Literature review…………………………………………………………………………....5 3.1 Discussion of the literature review…………………………………………………10 4.0 Fieldwork…………………………………………………………………………………..10 4.1 Methodology used in fieldwork………....................................................................10 4.2 Research findings…………………………………………………………………..10 4.2.1 Parents…………………………………………………………………….11 4.2.2 Preschool teachers………………………………………………………...11 4.2.3 Research organizations……………………………………………………11 4.3 Discussion of the research findings…………………………………………………12 5.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………..12 References………………………………………………………………………………………13 1.0Introduction This paper sets to present the positive role of games and child play in preschool education. Early childhood is an elemental and crucial stage in a child`s life with regards to the child`s intellectual development, physical growth and social development. Notably, this period lasts for about six years into childhood. . This stage entails the growth of a child`s mental and physical capabilities. Therefore, at this stage, a child is in dire need of high quality care and learning processes. Hence, this crucial responsibility calls for preschool education. Preschool education is influential in the development of the imaginational capabilities of a child before attaining the edge of formal education. In preschool education, a child is provided with unlimited scenarios, space, props and the necessary support and guidance. This process is better aided through child play and games. Child play and games provide practical learning approaches hence aiding in the intellectual development of the child. Moreover, the games provide a fun experience and social fulfillment when they interact with other children (Squire and Jenkins, 2003). Therefore, child play and games impacts positively on a child`s social and creativity building a process nurtured by preschool education. Thus, games and child play are crucial components in preschool education. This project research presents the research findings and report in three sections. 2.0 General background By nature children are playful and their earliest explorations and learning experiences through senses are achieved by various games and child plays. These game experiences are achieved by themselves and then by their interactions with other children which promotes the learning experience and process. Thus when a child lear.

1. Running head: ROLE OF GAMES IN PRESCHOOL
EDUCATION
ROLE OF GAMES IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION
Role of games in preschool education
Name
Institution
Course
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1.0
Introduction…………………………………………………………
……………………...3
2.0 General
background……………………………………………………………
…………...3
2.1 Importance of games in preschool
education……………………………………....3
2.2 Aims of the
research……………………………………………………………….

2. .5
2.3 Thesis
statement………………………………………………………………
……5
3.0 Literature
review…………………………………………………………………
………....5
3.1 Discussion of the literature
review…………………………………………………10
4.0
Fieldwork……………………………………………………………
……………………..10
4.1 Methodology used in
fieldwork………....................................................................1
0
4.2 Research
findings………………………………………………………………
…..10
4.2.1
Parents…………………………………………………………………
….11
4.2.2 Preschool
teachers………………………………………………………...11
4.2.3 Research
organizations……………………………………………………11
4.3 Discussion of the research
findings…………………………………………………12
5.0
Conclusion……………………………………………………………
……………………..12
References……………………………………………………………
…………………………13
1.0Introduction
This paper sets to present the positive role of games and child
play in preschool education. Early childhood is an elemental

3. and crucial stage in a child`s life with regards to the child`s
intellectual development, physical growth and social
development. Notably, this period lasts for about six years into
childhood. . This stage entails the growth of a child`s mental
and physical capabilities. Therefore, at this stage, a child is in
dire need of high quality care and learning processes. Hence,
this crucial responsibility calls for preschool education.
Preschool education is influential in the development of the
imaginational capabilities of a child before attaining the edge of
formal education. In preschool education, a child is provided
with unlimited scenarios, space, props and the necessary
support and guidance. This process is better aided through child
play and games. Child play and games provide practical
learning approaches hence aiding in the intellectual
development of the child. Moreover, the games provide a fun
experience and social fulfillment when they interact with other
children (Squire and Jenkins, 2003). Therefore, child play and
games impacts positively on a child`s social and creativity
building a process nurtured by preschool education. Thus,
games and child play are crucial components in preschool
education.
This project research presents the research findings and report
in three sections.
2.0 General background
By nature children are playful and their earliest explorations
and learning experiences through senses are achieved by various
games and child plays. These game experiences are achieved by
themselves and then by their interactions with other children
which promotes the learning experience and process. Thus when
a child learns while having fun at the same time, it develops a
positive experience and positive approach to the learning
experience which is crucial for their preparation for formal
education when they come of age.
2.1 Importance of games in preschool education
Notably, through games a child develops a positive attitude and
skills that are crucial in their education process. As such games

4. in preschool education are crucial in the following helping
children attain the following developments:
· Physical
Games enable a child attain gross and fine motor capabilities
and developments. This is attributable to the fact that when
children feel comfortably supported, they tend to overstretch
their limits to new challenges and physical development. For
example the development of fine motor skills through games
involving holding of objects is influential in the development of
hand coordination skills central in writing skills.
· Language
Games also provides children with the opportunity to build their
language and communication skills through interactive plays.
There are interactive games where preschool teacher teach
words about objects the children are interested in thus
improving their language. Children also develop communication
skills when they play side by side and repeat what they hear
each other saying.
· Self confidence
Fun and enjoyable games boost the self confidence and self
esteem in children in the learning process. Games such as
puzzles instill a sense of achievement when accomplished thus
building a strong sense of confidence.
· Social
Although children are by nature egocentric and unable to rise
above their needs, interactive and cooperative games help
children develop awareness of differences in other people
around them. This is crucial in laying of foundation for
amicable solving of disputes and communication with other
people.
2.2 Aims of the research
1. To establish the extent to which games are useful in
preschool education.
2. To determine the ways in which games help children in
preschool education.

5. 2.3 Thesis statement
A good, effective and quality preschool education integrates
games in the learning and teaching process.
3.0 Literature review
To begin with, child play and games is crucial in the
development of a child and creation of bonds with those around
them. In ‘The importance of play in early childhood
development’ Jona K. Anderson-McNamee asserts that play
helps a child learn about obeying of rules and knowing what is
expected of them which is essential in their adult lives in the
society. Thus, as a child develops and grows while learning
through games and fulfillment, they learn how to act and
communicate in the society around them. Additionally, children
also learn and develop in the process of playing with others and
the importance of playing and games is engrained in their
memory. Thus, the expression by Jona K. Anderson-McNamee
that playing and games are the only occupation of a developing
child. Moreover, playing through games is also a critical
element in the development of the brain. Notably, research has
indicates that 75% of brain development occur after birth of the
child hence the critical role of play in stimulation of the brain
by creating connections between the brain nerve cells. This
brain development translates to improved and developing fine
and gross motor skills and capabilities. Fine motor skills entail
activities such as concentrated holding of a pen or a pencil. On
the other hand, gross motor skills include activities such as
jumping and running. Moreover, games and plays present the
perfect opportunities for a child to learn how best to
communicate their emotions develop strong thoughts and learn
the ability to solve problems (Anderson-McNamee, 2010).
John Kirriemuir and Ceangal Angela McFarlane take a rather
specific stand on computer games in their ‘Literature review in
games and learning’. The authors express that the integration of
computer games in the education process of children from early
childhood leads to the development of range skills and
competencies. The challenging interactive computer games

6. support development of valuable skills such as strategic
thinking, planning, negotiating skills amongst others.
Additionally, the experience of game play entails positive
attitude to the school learning activities. The preferred tasks
that the child is familiar with will be performed fast and
exploratory, a feat that preschool education characteristic with
the omission of games cannot achieve. Moreover, research
indicates that simple computer games for children provide an
enjoyable learning experience as it provides the feeling of being
in control and a sense of their own progression. However, for
the enjoyment fulfillment the game should neither be too hard
nor too easy. The authors also concur that facilitate the social
development of a child and the improvement in communication
capability with their peers. This is attributable to the games
with multiplayer options and hence embedded in social
interactions and integration. Games also enhance a child`s
comprehension and understanding of critical learning process.
The utilization of computer games n preschool education is
evidenced by the development entertainment software and
games (Kirriemuir and McFarlane, 2004).
In the literary report, ‘A world without play’, Josie Gleave and
Issy Cole-Hamilton also assert that playing and games in
preschool education is essential in a child`s physical, mental,
and social well-being development. They express that
interactive games involve real emotions thus enabling a child
develop their own limits of uncertainty, engage themselves in
unexpected situations and learn how to respond to those
situations thus promoting adaptability. Also cooperative games
enable children develop relationships, friendships and
attachments to people and places around them. Consequentially,
this enables a child learn the ability to develop familiarity and
intimacy with their environment. When children are allowed to
play adult interruption, they develop a sense of independence
instigating and stimulating their independent exploration
capabilities. Childhood games and plays are distinctly varied
and posses no boundaries thus an endless range of games that

7. endless source of continuous imagination. The good
development of childhood entails physical, intellectual and
social well-being thus the need to focus on a child`s critical
development in preschool education. Additionally, engaging in
a games and play activities is beneficial to the children`s health.
This is attributable to the fact that physically-engaging games
are essential in the expansion of the lung capacity,
strengthening of the muscles and development of strong bones.
In stimulation of the brain nerve cells, games and play activities
leads to the increase in development of the cognitive and neuro-
cognitive functions and processing. Thus, games and play in
preschool education contribute immensely to a children`s life
chances and level of development attributable to better health
from the exercises. Additionally, from building the cognitive
processes and system, the utilization of games and play
activities in preschool education prepares the children for the
learning process and skills when they begin formal education.
The development may also lead to the development of specific
innate skills. However, this should not be perceived to be an
instrumental learning tool and children should be given the
opportunity to engage in games for their own fun and enjoyment
regardless of the anticipated outcomes. Games in preschool
education expose children to materials and objects around their
environment thus enabling their construction of the world. Josie
Gleave and Issy Cole-Hamilton are also in concurrence with
John Kirriemuir and Angela McFarlane that games and play
activities in preschool education is influential in the
development of vocabulary in children and comprehension of
different concepts thus building on their confidence and self
esteem and hence motivation for the learning process and
activities. Games and play activities also provide a sense of risk
taking on a child`s perspective, no matter how simple the game
or the activity is, thus developing their comprehension and
sense of judgment of risky situations. The inclusion of toys in
games in preschool education helps in the physical and
cognitive development such as grasping of objects, twisting,

8. turning and opening. This is essential in their expansion of their
exploratory capabilities and skills. Thus, it is normal to see kids
breaking up and opening up toys; it is part of playing and
building on the exploratory skills. games in preschool education
involving grouping of the children according to age, foster the
children`s capability to forge friendships and sense of
cooperation. Thus this is critical in their development of style
of communication and voicing of concerns and experiences. The
challenging aspects of games, regardless of the level, foster the
concept of recovery and adaptive capabilities. This is critical on
the development of their abilities to develop strategies when
faced with real life challenging situations (Gleave and Issy,
2012).
Sarah DiCarlo in her ‘Importance of play in early childhood’
also agrees that games and play activities is important in the
development and learning process of child. From the preschool
games and play activities, the preschool teachers are able to
assess each child`s progression in the learning and developing
process in their social interactions with regards to development
of cooperation with peers and the ability to link their developed
skills with their sense of cooperation. The author also agrees
that games expose the children to ‘real’ life situations thus the
development of the creation of the world around them and the
comprehension of life activities and processes. Games and play
activities which entail recognition of letters, shapes, numbers
and patterns are essential and influential in the development of
social, language and mathematical skills beneficial in formal
education level. This is evidenced by the fact that children who
begin their formal education and schooling with prior
knowledge or familiarity with such skills show fast learning and
recognition experiences than children who don’t. Additionally,
it is also clear that the inclusion of toys in games and play
activities increase the interest of children in the learning
aspects of the game. Accordingly, toys should be selected
according to the age and level development of the child.
Research also indicates that preschool learning environments

9. decorated and set up in a playfully way and incorporating
various games and activities, stimulate the learning interest and
positive attitude to schooling and education. Preschool
education games entailing constructive hands-on playing
activities and exploratory objects and materials improve the
learning process and experience of the children. Additionally,
children also express their areas of interest through games and
play activities (DiCarlo, 2012). This shows that games and play
activities are essential in the all-rounded critical development
of children. Thus, preschool education should entail games and
play activities to make the preschool education process
productive and efficient.
3.1 Discussion of the literature review
With regards to the literature review about it is noteworthy to
state that games and play activities are essential and influential
in the emotional, intellectual, mental and social development of
a child. Games and play are the only occupations of a child and
they learn their first forms of communication and expressions
through engagement in the different play activities and games.
However, the inclusion of computer games as expresses by John
Kirriemuir and Angela McFarlane is still a thorny issue and
subject to further debate. This is attributable to the fact that
computer and software games are addictive and impose a
general sense of ‘flow’ on children which may lead to
distractions and laziness.
4.0 Field work
This entails the collection and analysis of information and data
and statistics from the relevant sources and stakeholders in the
field.
4.1 Methodology used
The research projects applied the consultation of the relevant
stakeholders by conducting guided interviews and
administration of semi-structured questionnaires. The notable
relevant stakeholders included the preschool teachers, parents
and research organizations with interests in the development of
children.

10. 4.2 Research findings
4.2.1 Parents
A parent is the first preschool teacher and guide to a child.
Parents who are engaged in games and play activities with their
children reported an increased bonding and attachment with
their children; an essential function and component of games
and play activities.
4.2.2 Preschool teachers
The responses by the preschool teachers indicated that games
and play is a crucial component and element of the preschool
education and learning process. The teachers concurred that
games and play activities made the learning activities and
experience effective and efficient. They attributed this fact to
the familiarity and sense of comprehension instilled in the
children by the games and play activities.
4.2.3 Research organizations
The response by the research organization pointed to a link and
connection between the preschool education process and a
child`s long term level of development. The responses reiterated
that quality preschool education prepares an individual for the
real world of formal education and schooling. To that effect,
they stated that the integration and incorporation of games and
play activities in the preschool education process accelerates
the achievement of these objectives.
4.3 Discussion of the findings
From the research findings, it is evident that relevant
stakeholders in the development of children concur and agree
that indeed games form a critical component of the preschool
education process. This indicates the important and positive role
of games and play activities in children`s learning process in
preschool education.
5.0 Conclusion
To begin with from the research project, it is clear and evident
that the participation of involvement of children in games and

11. play activities in preschool education is beneficial in their
preparation for the formal education. The game and play
activities stimulate their interests in the learning process and
development of positive attitude to the education process.
Additionally, games and play activities contribute immensely to
the general development of a child with regards to the physical,
emotional and intellectual aspects. This is occasioned by the
inspiration of the activities thus development of curiosity and
exploratory skills which may lead to the development of
specific individual skills such as painting.
Thus, from the research and effective quality preschool
education integrates and incorporates games and play activities
as part of the learning process.
Reference
Squire, K. and Jenkins, H. (2003). Harnessing the power of
games in education. Retrieved on 27th November 2015
From: Harnessing the power of games in education.
Insight, 3(1)
Anderson-McNamee, J. (2010). The importance of play in early
childhood development. Retrieved on 27th November 2015
From:
http://store.msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamil
y/MT201003HR.pdf
Kirriemuir, J. and McFarlane, A. (2004). Report 8: Literature
review in games and learning. Retrieved on 27th November
2015
From:
http://archive.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/lit_reviews/
Games_Review.pdf
Gleave, J. and Issy, C. (2012). ‘A world without play’-literature
review. Retrieved on 27th November 2015
From: http://www.playengland.org.uk/media/371031/a-
world-without-play-literature-review-2012.pdf

12. DiCarlo, S. (2012). Importance of play in early childhood.
Retrieved on 27th November 2015
From:
https://importanceofplayinearlychildhood.wordpress.com/literat
ure-review/
Running head: ROLE OF GAMES IN PRESCHOOL
EDUCATION
1
Role of games in preschool education
Name
Institution
Course