Challenges faced by Early Childhood Development Education Teachers during Outdoor Play Activities in enhancing Holistic Development of the Learners

Abstract

Outdoor play is part and parcel of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and outdoor play activities are important in the life of a child as they enhance holistic development and creativity which is useful in later life and career choice of the learner. It is the responsibility of teachers in ECDE to ensure that all children enjoy learning through play despite various challenges that are encountered during outdoor play time. This study sought to identify the challenges faced by ECDE teachers during outdoor play activities in Bomet East Sub County, Kenya. The study utilized the outdoor play inventory theory. Descriptive survey research design was used. The study employed stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select ECDE centers, head teachers and ECDE teachers respectively. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and results were presented using frequency distribution tables, bar graphs. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data that were presented using emerging themes. The analyzed data revealed that most ECDE centers had no safety and regulation guides, inadequacy of outdoor play materials, lack of outdoor play facilities as well as interference by other learners. Other challenges were lack of cooperation among ECDE children, difference in abilities and ages, large class sizes and dominance by other learners. The study concluded that most of the ECDE centers had no equipment and materials for outdoor play activities were unavailable and inadequate. Based on the findings, the study recommended that parents and the county government should purchase outdoor play facilities because they are expensive for the ECDE centers to purchase on their own. Additionally, improvisation was to be encouraged and ECDE teachers to take part in children’s outdoor activities and be active participants in order to overcome these challenges.