The Impact of Play-Based Learning Settings on Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking Skills

Abstract

Playing, which is one of the most important emotional needs of children, is also used as an effective teaching technique by numerous educators. Educative games played with students in classroom environments with certain objectives have a critical role in reinforcing the previous knowledge of children and improving their mental skills. In addition, it is believed that when properly planned and applied, play-based learning settings and games increase learning motivation of children and reduce their school-related stress and anxiety. The purpose of this study is to reveal the effectiveness of play-based learning settings and educational games played in these settings on the sustainability of children’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking habits. For this purpose, the themes of responsibility, tolerance, self-confidence, frugality, honesty, patriotism, and empathy were determined. Before the play-based learning environment was created, preliminary information was obtained about 20 students selected for the study through a questionnaire prepared in consultation with field experts. Subsequently, play-based learning environments were created by choosing bomb, creative drama, story cubes, puppets, two truths one lie, drama, and empathy games related to the themes in question. The themes and texts were given to 10 students through games for a total of 7 weeks, 1 week for each theme. In addition, the same themes were given to the remaining 10 students through traditional education. In the eighth week, the level of understanding of each student as regards the relevant theme was revealed through the questionnaire prepared based on the opinions of the experts. It was observed that the anxiety of the students in the classroom environment decreased considerably during seven weeks with the help of the play-based learning settings. In addition, it was determined that these students were more eager to read, write, listen to, and speak texts than the students who received traditional education, and that they comprehended the themes more easily. It can be said that educational games can be used as an effective method to increase the children’s interest in lessons and school, diversify their learning experiences, improve their performance and motivation, and enhance the sustainability of education.