Investigation of social studies teacher candidates opinions about traditional children's games

The most important factor for communities to live together as a nation is to have a common culture. Culture and tradition have a holding feature because they are values that communities have accumulated for many years. Traditional children's games play a very important role in transferring these values to the next generation. Traditional children's games are educational and entertaining activities that many children devote most of their time to adulthood. It is also an indispensable part of our culture. It is known that one of the aims of Social Studies education is to raise individuals who are loyal to their cultural values.In line with this information, it was felt that the Social Studies teacher candidates' views, interests and level of knowledge about traditional children's games, which is one of the effective methods of transferring cultural heritage, were felt. The aim of this study is to examine the views of Social Studies teacher candidates on Traditional Children's Games. For this purpose, Qualitative Research methods were used. Qualitative research methods, as the name suggests, are a research method that includes many findings and utilizes qualitative data collection methods such as observation and interview. In this study, SemiStructured Interview technique, which is one of the Qualitative Research Methods, was vii used.While preparing the interview form, the literature was reviewed by the researcher, traditional children's games, educational games, Social Studies education were examined. As a result of the studies and five (5) expert opinions, the questions used in the interview form were finalized. In the study, the students of Niğde Ömer HALĠSDEMĠR University Faculty of Education were determined as the sample in order to examine the opinions of the Social Studies teacher candidates. Data was collected by prepared question which were answered by teacher candidates during the interview. Descriptive Analysis was used to analyze the data. While reflecting the data, direct quotations are frequently used due to the efficient transfer. Obtained findings were collected, results and evaluations were prepared. As a result of the analysis of the collected findings, Social Studies teacher candidates stated that it contributes to cultural development, increases personal development, and increases socialization. They also emphasized that traditional children's games have lost their importance with the increase in technological opportunities. Keywords: Tradition, Culture, Game, Traditional Children's Games, Social Studies.