Abstract

Objectives: Aim of this study is identification of what game means from children’s point of view. The research is a mixed design research where qualitative and quantitative data are used altogether and the opinions of parents are also received. Material and methods: Population of the quantitative part of the research is composed of parent of entire third grade students of Ankara University Foundation Private Primary School (n=72), and the sample consists of 35 parents of those students returned within the scope of the surveys. For qualitative data of the research, sampling is composed of 14 people in total, of which 8 people, 2 girls and 2 boys, who can freely play games outside home, and their parents, as well as 6 people, 2 girls and 2 boys playing games at home on the computer without action, and their parents. In collection of quantitative data in the research, providing information to parents and a mini-survey study including 4 questions has been used in the research. With this survey study, it has been asked whether children played games or not, what they played with and where they played. Questionnaires, of which all questions answered, have been considered in the survey. Qualitative data of the research is composed of half-structured interview questions prepared separately for student (11 questions) and parents (6 questions) voluntarily attending to the research and identified according to the views of this questionnaire. Interview questions, we have used in the research, have been formed by considering the studies conducted in this field and taking experts’ opinions. Quantitative data have been obtained by half-structured interview method and interviews have been made in a closed room after informing parents and students and making appointments beforehand. Voice recorder is used during interviews. Required permits have been received from the school administration and papers for conducting the study before the survey got started. Results: According to the quantitative results of this survey; all parents emphasized that their children both played at home or in the garden. They played with toys, tablets, and etc. at home while they played with balls, skip ropes, and etc. in the garden. Their play mates are friends, siblings or their cousins. According to the views of parents; they stated they permitted their children freely and in an active way in their gardens outside their houses, they also brought them to big children’s parks, and they encouraged their children to play, they did not have an obstacle for letting them play because they lived in a closed residential area; however, they were not keen to send their children out of their gardens due to traffic and security. Conclusions: Children stated that games meant “entertainment” for them, they preferred “game groups” as types of games, mostly they played “at school and in the garden of their house”, and they played with their friends. Parents stated that playing games made their children happy and helped their children to spend efforts, improve their creativity, and encouraged them to share and ensured socialization.

Keywords: Game; Child; Parent