Play and children`s intellectual development : a case study of two selected kindergartens in Qaseem region Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study focuses on play and its benefits to children's intellectual ability at two kindergartens in Qaseem region Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sample of the study comprised three kids, three teachers and three parents at the said kindergartens who were purposively selected for the study. The study employed two instruments for data collection, the first instrument was observation checklist, and the second instrument was interview in addressing the research objectives and three research questions namely, (1) to the extent does creative play contribute to development of children's overall social skills, (2) to what extent does creative play enhance children's intellectual ability, (3) what dimensions of creative play contribute significantly to children's intellectual development is the region of Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The observation was carried out with the kids and the interview was conducted for the teachers and the kids' caretakers. The results of the study showed that, children developed intellectually when they are in group. Additionally, it was found that, play kits such as toys, drawing, coloring, block etc are parts of the tools identified in developing children's brain. Children were found to demonstrate creativity when they are allowed to play freely with their peers or alone, if enough time is allocated for their play. According to these results, it was recommended that, psychologically and logically, parents, teachers as well as kindergarten founders were urged to give ample time for the children to play at home and at school based on the literature as well as the findings of the present study. The government of Saudi Arabia is enticed to provide more playgrounds for the kids either at district playgrounds or at school.