PLAYFUL SPACES INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVITY IN LEVEL 2 CHILDREN
Abstract
This research aimed to analyze the influence of play spaces on the development of creativity in children in the second level of early childhood education. It was based on the importance of play-based learning environments in fostering imagination, participation, emotional expression, and the strengthening of cognitive and social skills from the earliest years of schooling. A mixed-methods approach with a descriptive scope was used for the study, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection techniques included surveys and interviews. The population consisted of early childhood education teachers from various educational institutions in San Vicente and Bahía de Caráquez, Leónidas Plaza, and the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí, Sucre campus. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, calculated with SPSS 25 software, yielding a value of 0.967, which demonstrates excellent reliability. The results showed that play-based learning environments foster creativity by stimulating exploration, interaction, problem-solving, and meaningful learning. Furthermore, it was determined that incorporating play-based strategies into the educational process strengthens children's holistic development and contributes to generating more dynamic and participatory learning experiences.