Language games as an incentive for the development of communication skills of children of early and preschool age

Osnova svake komunikacije jest govor. Govor je jezična djelatnost koja je ljudima urođena. Usvajanje govora događa se spontano, u poticajnom okruženju čestim ponavljanjem i interakcijom s drugima. Upravo pomoću govora i interakcijskih odnosa razvijamo našu komunikaciju. Stoga je komunikacija sredstvo poučavanja, izražavanja ideja i mišljenja, građenja odnosa, a njezino razvijanje jedna je od najvažnijih životnih vještina. Naime, kroz igru i zajednička druženja s vršnjacima djeca uče razvijati svoje komunikacijske sposobnosti i vještine. Uloga odgojitelja i roditelja upravo je pružanje kvalitetnoga modela koji djeca promatraju i nastoje oponašati. Igra je ključ uspješne djetetove izobrazbe i njegova odrastanja. Ona je najzastupljenija i najvažnija aktivnost u dječjim životima. Tijekom igre dijete mašta, istražuje te uči na najlakši način. Jezične su igre kreativni načini za poticanje razvoja govora djece rane i predškolske dobi. Provode se na mnoštvo zanimljivih načina pa djeca rane i predškolske dobi za njih pokazuju osobit interes. Osim što potiču razvoj govora, također potiču pozitivnu atmosferu i kognitivnu uključenost djeteta tijekom provođenja aktivnosti. U istraživačkom dijelu rada provedeno je kratko istraživanje s ciljem utvrđivanja važnosti primjene jezičnih igara kod djece rane i predškolske dobi. Analizirana je anketa čiji su ispitanici bili odgojitelji i studenti ranoga i predškolskog odgoja i obrazovanja. Istraživanje je provedeno online, anketnim obrascem, a dobiveni su rezultati statistički obrađeni.The basis of all communication is speech. Speech is a linguistic activity that is innate to humans. Speech acquisition occurs spontaneously in a stimulating environment through frequent repetition and interaction with others. It is through speech and interactive relationships that we develop our communication. Therefore, communication is a means of teaching, expressing ideas and opinions, and building relationships, and its development is one of the most important life skills. Namely, through play and socializing with peers, children learn to develop their communication abilities and skills. The role of educators and parents is precisely to provide a quality model that children observe and strive to imitate. Play is the key to a child's successful education and growth. It is the most common and important activity in children's lives. During the game, the child imagines, explores, and learns in the easiest way possible. Language games are creative ways to stimulate the speech development of early and preschool children. They are spent in many interesting ways, so children of early and preschool age show a special interest in them. In addition to encouraging speech development, they also encourage a positive atmosphere and the child's cognitive involvement during activities. In the research part of the paper, research was conducted with the aim of determining the importance of using language games with children of early and preschool age. A survey was analyzed, the respondents of which were teachers and students of early and preschool education. The research was conducted online using a survey form, and the obtained results were statistically processed