Abstract
This study investigated teachers’ awareness and utilization of play
activities in teaching preschool children in Nsukka Urban, Enugu State.
Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consisted
of 120 kindergarten teachers in the 52 government approved preschools in
Nsukka Urban. A sample of 60 kindergarten teachers was randomly
selected. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed
using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal
that most of the preschool teachers were not aware of play activities for
teaching preschool children. Findings reveal that teachers were aware of
nine activities including among others rhymes that teach numbers and
alphabets (89.5%), and songs that teach shapes and colors (70.2%). Also
there is poor utilization rate of play activities among the preschool teachers.
The government, private operators and preschool teachers should provide
enabling environment, encourage and allow children choose the activity
they want while the teachers observe and assist preschoolers. Provision of
standard preschool environment/facilities, improve awareness and
utilization of play activities by preschool teachers will greatly ensure
holistic development of children.