Abstract:
Play is one of the activities adopted to promote effective learning in preschool classrooms. The
purpose of this study was to examine the suitability of pre schools play environment on the child's’
oral skills development in Bomet county, kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research
design. The target population was 185 ECD centres, with a total population of 370 teachers and
managers in Bomet central division. A sample of 30% of the centers was selected to give a sample of
56 centres . All the 112 teachers and centre managers in the selected centres were considered for the
study. The data collection instrument included a semi structured questionnaire designed for the
teachers and an interview guide for the centre managers. Reliability of the study instrument was
computed and a Cronbach’s Alpha reliability index of 0.733 obtained. Validity was established using
lecturers who are experts in the area of ECD to provide their judgemental opinion. Data collected was
organized and summarized with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS). Data was
organised descriptively using frequencies and percentages. The results were analysed using pearsons
correlation analyis and presented using frequency and percentage tables and charts. The study
established that play has an effect on the oral skills development of the preschool pupils. The results
also indicated that the nature of play was key in oral skills development, based on the factor analysis.
The study concluded that use of play has an effect on the oral skills development of the pre school
pupils. It was recommended that teachers need to be trained on effective use of play in enhancing
literacy development and also there was need to have an effective play environment to ensure that
pupils are effectively engaged in most constructive play to enhance their oral skills.
