Exploring the Role of Play in the Holistic Development of Children in Perspectives of ECE Teacher

Children need a lot of learning opportunities during pre-school years to ensure their development in cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and literacy domains. This study aimed to explore the importance of Play on the Holistic Development of Pupils; ECE Teachers’ views and practices in a semi-private school in Sukkur Sindh. Through qualitative research methodology, the case study research design was used. Data generated through interviews were gathered into discrete categories using the transcription, interpretation, and coding of interview replies into themes. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study revealed that play plays a vital role in the holistic development of children, especially physical, social, and emotional development. The results suggest to all educationists, researchers, and curriculum developers to ensure play-based pedagogy in ECE classrooms, identify the link between play and holistic development, and comprehend how play supports the development of all children. This will lead to the integration of play in ECE classrooms. This was the first qualitative study conducted in the context of Sindh that focused on the importance of Play in the Holistic Development of Pupils, it paved the way for further extensive and specific studies.