Increasing the Level of Early Childhood Care Development of Kindergarten Pupils Thru the use of Every Friday Funday of San Roque Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Friedrich Froebel once said, "Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul”. San Roque Elementary School beholds that young children learn when they play. Children grow in a friendly environment and as they explore more during playtime, they also develop their gross and fine motor skills, their receptive and expressive language, and their cognitive and socio-emotional needs. Since kindergarten is a formal educational step in the Philippines, all children aged five are mandated to enter school. Facing new challenges like scheduling, learning to behave, and acting properly based on activities set by the teacher, some feel bored and look for physical activities they were used to doing.

METHODS

This study used quantitative methods of research. It specifically utilized the descriptive method. The study was conducted among 49 Kindergarten pupils from August to October 2016 using the approved Every Friday Funday Activities. Relevant data were gathered through the Early Childhood Care Development Assessment Checklist. Responses were treated statistically using the weighted mean and t-test for dependent variables.

RESULTS

Data show that there is a significant difference in the pre and post-assessment of their ECCD, at 0.05 level. This means that there is a marked improvement in the pupils' development when games are applied to teach core competencies.

DISCUSSIONS

Results reveal that children learn best when the experience is pleasing or satisfactory. Children meet the expected competencies even during their play time. The Every Friday Funday Program List of Activities developed their cognitive, psychomotor, and affective characteristics. Evidence supports that toddlers learn more through direct and purposive activities such as art and social games. It is also concluded that boredom may hinder one’s learning.