EXPLORING THE PLAY OF MIDDLE CHILDHOOD CHILDREN IN A POOR COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE: CAREGIVERS’ EXPERIENCES

Abstract

Play is affected by the specific community and culture children live in. Through an explorative descriptive design this qualitative study explored the experiences of play of middle childhood children in a poor community in North West province. Eighteen participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data-collection methods included focus groups and collages. Findings illustrated different types of play, factors which influenced the children’s play, and the effects of poverty, resources, safety and supportive structures on play. It is recommended that professionals rendering services to children in this specific age group be aware of the games children prefer to play.