A study in Sagnerigu Municipality has found that kindergarten teachers support play-based learning, but many lack the training and materials needed to use it well.
The study focused on kindergarten teachers in the Northern Region. The target population was 270 teachers, with 159 selected for the survey.
The findings show that play-based teaching is difficult to apply when classrooms lack materials. Many teachers reported limited access to age-appropriate toys, learning aids and outdoor play equipment.
Because of this, teachers often use locally made or improvised materials. These may help, but they may not fully support the goals of proper play-based learning.
Training was another major issue. Most teachers had not received formal training in play-based pedagogy. Some had attended short workshops or in-service sessions, but many lacked specialised training on how to build play into the curriculum.
Teachers also face overcrowded classrooms, limited time for play and weak community support.
The public lesson is straightforward. Ghana cannot expect better early childhood learning if kindergarten teachers are asked to use modern methods without modern support.
Play is not just fun. In early education, it is a teaching tool. But it needs trained teachers, space, materials and backing from the education system.