The effects of children's games on open-mindedness and mental development in primary schools in Wasit Governorate

Abstract

Children's games are a basic means of entertainment and enjoyment and help them discover their talents, abilities, skills, self-realization, inclinations, desires and creativity. Children are the most important nerve of the future of Iraqi society, and organized play builds the child's personality to determine his future and develop his mental and intellectual abilities in facing the dangers of the future, The researcher selected a random sample of 24 primary school children in Wasit Governorate, using a descriptive analytical approach to study the impact of children's play on developing their cognitive abilities, intellectual openness, and rational thinking.

The measuring tool consisted of a manual questionnaire that the researcher filled out directly after interviewing the child. It included 16 questions in two axes: the characteristics of the child and the type of children's toys. The researcher used the Siberman scale and appropriate statistical methods to analyze and interpret the questionnaire data after interviewing each child.

The research showed that gender plays a role in determining the type of games children play, as they tend to play with their peers. Some of them play in the street and public places, and some at home and in designated halls depending on the economic, social and cultural level of the family. Most children sit for more than 8 hours a day playing. It was found that many games have a significant and effective impact on building a child's personality and developing their mind, and they create intellectual openness in them, such that they accept and communicate with others. The researcher recommended the importance of conducting further studies that address variables related to how to develop children's abilities and the use of games in schools.