Play-based activities can be used to build the social skills of Grade 3 learners

This study employed a qualitative approach, which provided a comprehensive understanding of how different play-based activities contribute to the social skills development of Grade 3 learners. The study engaged 26 Grade 3 learners and their classroom teachers from two independent schools in the Ekurhuleni North district of Gauteng, South Africa. The intervention sessions focused on developing key social skills such as self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation, and interpersonal relationships. A multiple exploratory case study design was utilised to gain information about teachers’ perceptions of the learners’ social skills and the experiences of Grade 3 learners. Semi-structured interviews with teachers, pre- and post-intervention storyboards by learners, and classroom observations formed part of the data collection. Thematic analysis was applied to the gathered data, identifying various themes and sub-themes.