An appraisal of the value in play and the playground in early childhood sport's talent identification

Abstract

The care and education of young children outside the home is not just a contemporary idea. Between the 17^th to 19^th centuries, proponents  of early childhood education like Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Friedrich Froebel, John Locke, John Dewey and Maria Montessori, visualized learning at this early stage as one that can be achieved through play. This paper appraised the value in play and the playground in early  childhood and as a way to identify hidden sports talent in children as they play, for further grooming and development. The concept of  play was reviewed and discussed as well as the value in play for young learners. Play in this context is contrary to the misconception in  some quarters that it is characterized as a type of activity which is unimportant, trivial and lacking any serious purpose. As a result, Recommendations were put forth amongst which are: The school owners should consider the importance of play and provide attractive  play space and equipment for the young learners. In giving permission to the opening of a new school, government should ensure that  the school has adequate space for playing and the schools without play space should try and provide one for the young learns, Physical  educators should look out for children's playful moment in order to discover the hidden talents of sports in them for further development, Physical activity equipment and facilities should be provided for children in the school environment among others.