Abstract:
This study explored caregivers' views on play and play areas in Salvokop, Tshwane.
Specific focus was placed on children's play, play between caregiver and child, and the
importance of play spaces. Five relevant categories were identified for investigation
including biographical details, the child in early childhood, caregivers' opinions on play,
play between caregiver and child, and public play areas.
The research methodology for this study was clearly defined and outlined where a
qualitative research approach was utilised with a semi-structured interview schedule as
data-collection method. The literature chapter focused on early childhood, theoretical
perspectives on play, defining play, the advantages of play, as well as play between
parents and child and the importance of public play areas. Research findings for this
qualitative study were presented using tables which were fully discussed in the study in
order to describe caregivers' views on play, play between caregiver and child, and play
areas.
Research findings showed that not all caregivers are aware of the importance of play for
child development and do not consider play on its own as the most important activity
during early childhood, yet caregivers indicate that their children spend most of their time
playing. The types of play that children engage in have numerous advantages and are
more varied than what caregivers deem important. Caregivers believe that children need
long periods of play on a daily basis and most children do actually play for long periods
every day. Children in this study also participate in more physical activity than children in
some developed countries. Children have uninterrupted time to play where they are not hurried or directed by anyone. Caregivers play with their children and enjoy different types
of play with their children. However, there is a lack of physical play between caregivers
and children. There is no public play area in Salvokop but caregivers would like to have a
public play area and indicate that their children will make use of a public play area
extensively.
Finally, conclusions and recommendations were made following the key findings for this
study. The research question for this study was fully answered in that the empirical
investigation provided a comprehensive reflection of caregiver's views on play and play
areas.
