Development of a Playground by Local Wisdom for Promoting Early Childhood Development: Ban Nam Thiang Nong Chantha, Maha Sarakham

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study a process for the development of a playground with local wisdom to promote early childhood development. It was conducted from October 2016 to October 2017. The study samples were 70 individuals purposively selected from parents, village headmen, village health volunteers, Chief Executive of the Sub-district Administrative Organizations and the elderly. The data collection tools included the process that applied PIRAB strategy, group discussions, participatory observation, and in-depth interview. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), and content analysis for qualitative data. The 5 steps of PIRAB strategy included (1) Partnership (persuade sectors realize this problem), (2) Investment (stimulate financial investment), (3) Regulate (use laws or social measures), (4) Advocate (guide sectors to participate), and (5) Build capacity (develop personal capability in every sectors). It was found that, the PIRAB strategy had resulted in a new playground built by local wisdom to promote early childhood development. There was introduction of Thai local children’s games such as banana rib hobby horse riding, rope skipping, storytelling, etc.; and local toys such as pin wheel, coconut shell, rickshaw, etc. Children had different activities and equipments such as children’s walking tool used for development of movement. This equipment could be shared among other children and promote 5 aspects of childhood development. Moreover, this playground was built in all villages and there were people paying visit there for observation. Thus, promoting early children’s development by using children’s way of learning from real experiences would help children learn to adapt themselves in harmony with the nature and in accordance with their needs. It is necessary that all sectors pay attention and cooperate in this approach in which each village could apply its local wisdom to achieve effective outcomes.