Effectiveness in Integrating Play-Based Learning Within the MATATAG Curriculum to the Kindergarten Learners' Performance

AUTHOR(S)

ALNE MAE N. CELEDONIO

ABSTRACT

— The incorporation of play-based learning in the kindergarten curriculum has been a very effective pedagogical strategy, enhancing the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of young children significantly. Recognizing the crucial role of play in early childhood education, this research aims to study the effect of incorporating play-based learning in the MATATAG curriculum, with the goal of improving the performance of kindergarten pupils at Alpha Christian School in Baybay City Division for School Year 2024-2025. This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, utilizing both pre-test and post-test measures to ascertain the significant difference in the performance of the learners before and after the integration of play-based learning. The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) assessment tool served as the primary instrument for evaluating student performance. A total of 40 kindergarten learners took part in the study, with learning materials and activities meticulously crafted to incorporate play-based strategies that had been validated prior to implementation. The intervention occurred over a period of four weeks, during which playbased learning activities such as storytelling, rhyming, imaginative play, and interactive games were systematically woven into the lessons. The findings of the study suggest a significant improvement in the performance of the learners following the intervention. Pre-test revealed that most of the learners fell under the Slight Delay category, and few were scoring average marks. However, the post-test findings revealed a significant change in that all the learners moved to a higher level of performance, and a percentage also reached the Slightly Advanced level. The statistically significant mean difference between the post-test and the pre-test score testified to the effectiveness of the intervention in enhancing learners learning and participation. The research findings underscore the importance of play-based learning as an essential pedagogical approach that fosters motivation, critical thinking, and fulfilling learning experiences. Based on the observed positive impacts, the research recommends further incorporation of play-based learning approaches into the MATATAG curriculum to further improve early childhood education performance. The suggested improvement plan also aims to further enhance play-based instructional strategies to ensure that learners always excel in a playful and developmentally suitable learning environment. Keywords — Effectiveness, Integrating Play-Based Learning, MATATAG Curriculum, Kindergarten Learners’ Performance