Dr Flora Michael Monity, Dr Martin Afen Olofu & Dr Nnyenkpa Ntui Anyin
Abstract
The study investigated the use of play as a tool for development of psychomotor skills among primary school pupils of Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. One hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted correlational design. The population of the study consisted of 10,315 primary one pupils and their teachers. The sample of the study was 216 respondents, comprising 144 primary one pupils and 72 teachers. Data was gathered through researchers-made questionnaire and pupils’ psychomotor scale. The data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The finding of the study revealed that play is a significant tool for development of psychomotor skills among primary school pupils of Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. It was recommended that the teachers in primary one, as a matter of importance, should adopt the use of play technique as a major instructional method as this will help in the development of psychomotor skills. Also, school authorities and stakeholders in the educational system should ensure that adequate play space and play facilities are available in the schools.