INFLUENCE OF TOYS AND THEATRE IN CHILDREN'S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF STARTRIGHT CHILDHOOD LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, OWERRI.

Abstract

Early childhood years are critical periods for human development, characterized by rapid cognitive, social and emotional growth. During this foundational stage, children's experiences and exposures significantly shape their cognitive abilities, interpersonal skills, and emotional wellbeing, setting the stage for their future educational success and overall life outcomes. As the potential benefits of theatre and toys in fostering child development are widely acknowledged, it becomes imperative to explore and understand the factors that contribute to or hinder optimal development during this crucial phase. The research is hinged on the behavioural theories of John Locke and BF Skinner. Locke viewed children as arriving in the world like a blank slate that would be 'written on' by those educating them through a series of rewards and effective use of 'punishment'. While Skinner endorsed that if the environment is arranged to facilitate the desired behaviour and expectations are set for that behaviour, then the child will be influenced to use the appropriate behaviour. The research made use of personal participation and observational survey data of the quantitative research methodology as well as Focus Group Discussion for data analysis. The research finds out that teaching with educative toys through demonstration, helps the pupils to internalize and comprehend the subject area effectively, as they will remember what has been put into action. The study further reveals that the use of toys widens the experience and intellectual ability of children in all ramifications. The research recommends that teachers/parents should make use of more educative toys to enlighten the children during teaching and learning process to enhance clarity and effective understanding and development.