Journal of Applied Movement and Sport Science
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Applied Movement and Sport Science

The role of play in shaping early childhood character: A systematic literature review

Didi Suryadi (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Zsolt Németh (University of Pécs)
Julian Dewantara (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Muhammad Daffa Haidar (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)
Nur Khozanah Ilmah (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background. Early childhood character development plays a crucial role in the educational process. However, in practice, it is often overlooked. The concept of "learning through play and playing while learning" is fundamental to children's education. Play serves as a vital tool for stimulating various aspects of child development, including religious and moral values, cognitive abilities, language skills, social-emotional growth, physical-motor skills, and artistic expression.Objectives. This study aims to explore the role of play in fostering character development in children. Providing children with opportunities to engage in play allows them to internalize positive character traits effectively.Methods. This study employs a library research approach, utilizing secondary data obtained from previous studies rather than direct observations. A total of 13 national journals discussing children's character development were analyzed. These journals were sourced from Google Scholar using the keyword (“children's character development”).Results. Based on the reviewed literature, it can be concluded that play is highly effective in fostering children's character development. The findings highlight three key aspects: (1)The role of play and physical activities in shaping children's character.(2) The importance of character development in early childhood.(3) The influence of education and parental involvement in character-building.Conclusion. The study results indicate that integrating play into sports-based learning significantly contributes to early childhood character formation. Through sports, children develop essential values such as responsibility, mutual respect, perseverance, teamwork, and integrity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jamss

Publisher

Subject

Education Health Professions Nursing Social Sciences

Description

The aim of this journal publication is to disseminate the conceptual thoughts or ideas and research results that have been achieved in the area of sport Journal of Applied Movement and Sport Science (JAMSS) particularly focuses on the main problems in the development of the sciences of sport areas ...