Abstract:
Instructional material is essential in well-organized lesson delivery because it enhances
language skills of the learners. To rich preschool leaning environment which is filled with a variety
of instructional materials tend to foster faster acquisition of requisite skills for sustained learning
and development. The various types of language instructional materials that could be selected and
utilized by teachers for effective practice teaching were discussed. The purpose of this study,
therefore, was to identify the challenges teacher’s faces in using language instructional materials
at preschools and related factors. The target population comprised preschool teachers and school
principals in Jimma City Administration. They were 19 preschools & school principals were
selected for the study purposively. 38 preschool teachers were selected randomly. Questionnaires
were used to collect data from preschool teachers while an observation checklist was used to
assess the presence of instructional materials used for language development. A Semi-structured
interview was used to collect data from the school principal’s opinions and ideas. An Observation
schedule was also used to scrutinize the preschools of instructional materials in the classroom and
their effective use in language skills. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and
qualitative techniques and presented in tables, percentages, mean and standard deviation. The
study revealed that the use of instructional materials was minimal to enhance language skills. All
of the respondents with none difference agreed on as very important in practice of instructional
materials usage that enhances language development. Production of language instructional
materials and capacity building of teachers needs a critical attention. The study also suggested
for further research be carried out on the effect of instructional materials on ECCE.
