Abstract

This research was conducted in the QwaQwa region of the Free State Province of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the availability of resources in the preschool playrooms and the use made of those resources by teachers. The study also looked at how preschool teachers envisaged the ideal classroom for their pupils. The results showed that the 24 participating classes were badly under-resourced, and that this under-resourcing had a negative impact on teaching and learning. However, the study also found that preschool teachers did a good job in the face of adversity. They provided learners with as broad a range of activities that they could, partially by managing their classes well and partially by bringing in materials from home. The investigation into the teachers' view of the ideal classroom revealed the teachers to be reasonable and practical people. The teachers gave highest priority to materials that would promote basic language and mathematics skills.