Play is one of the basic needs of a child. If we successfully include it into lessons, the child will keep his interest and motivation and persist longer in certain activities. Through playing, the child projects his deficiencies and consequently overcomes them. It is not enough that the child only learns at school; for his success and development, it is also important, that during the learning process he also feels well. Didactic games can greatly contribute to this. In the Master’s thesis, we decided to test, how didactic games influence pupils from the cognitive, emotional and social aspect. In the theoretical part of the Master’s thesis we presented some theories about playing, the importance of playing for the development of a child, types of simple games considering the cognitive and social aspect and the role of didactic games in classes. For the purpose of the research, we developed and presented learning aids and learning material for the discussion of the learning set Sound in the 2nd grade of primary school. In the preparation phase and during lessons, we stressed out the method of teaching with didactic games. The chosen topic was discussed during Environmental education classes, within which we independently carried out four lessons. The research and lessons took place at Tomo Brejc Primary School in the 2nd grade with 23 pupils. The main purpose of the research was to find out, whether we reach the learning goals of the chosen set Sound with the use of didactic games in Environmental education classes, how permanent the pupils’ knowledge is after learning through didactic games and how children respond to the use of didactic games from the motivational, emotional and social aspect. The results showed a positive role of didactic games in the process of gaining knowledge and understanding natural concepts, in the field of expressing emotions and regarding the inclusion of pupils into class interactions. The results of the research and the presented materials can aid teachers in the first and second triad in teaching chosen contents. With the help of the materials and the results of the Master’s thesis, which will be interesting for teachers as well as other interested expert public, we widened out knowledge about the role of didactic games in teaching natural sciences.
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