Determining the Motor Ability Levels of the Preschool Children

Zehra Gozel Tepe

doi:10.5539/jel.v9n3p73

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the motor ability levels of the preschool children. The sampling of the study consisted of 46 children (22 girls, 24 boys) between the ages of 5-6. Kindergarten Mobile Test (KiMo) was used in determining the motor ability levels of the children. The test consisted of 5 subtests. These were; the shuttle run, standing long jump, one leg stand, flexibility and lateral jumping. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the average, frequency and percentage distributions regarding the motor abilities of the children. The children achieved average and below-average scores at all age groups in the shuttle run, standing long jump, one leg stand, flexibility and lateral jumping and they were incompetent in coordination, endurance and speed as basic motor abilities. As a result, it was determined that the motor abilities of the preschool children were low as of the early years. Performing activities that involve motor abilities inside and outside the school for the preschool children, who spend most of the day in narrow locations with limited movement areas, would support their healthy development in physical, mental and social terms.

Highlights

Motor abilities play an important role in the development of children throughout their lives and are important parts of their physical development (Haywood & Getchell, 2014)
The children achieved average and below-average scores at all age groups in the shuttle run, standing long jump, one leg stand, flexibility and lateral jumping and they were incompetent in coordination, endurance and speed as basic motor abilities
When we look at the total test results of the sampling, 52.2% had below-average values in the shuttle run, 41.3% in standing long jump, 54.3% in flexibility, 32.6% in balance and 47.8% in the lateral jump test

Summary

Introduction

Motor abilities play an important role in the development of children throughout their lives and are important parts of their physical development (Haywood & Getchell, 2014). The basic movements period, which takes placebetween the ages 2−7, has a different importance since it is the period when the abilities that form the basis of more complex motor programs develop. In these years, children are ready to learn new motor abilities within the rapid development process (Gallahue & Cleland-Donnelly, 2007). Development of motor abilities in children increases as they learn abilities such as running, jumping and bouncing These abilities are permanently used throughout life and play a key role in learning new abilities. If children are not masterly trained in basic life abilities that are preconditions in the active life such as running, jumping and bouncing, they will have limited opportunities to participate in physical activities later in their lives (Stodden, Goodway, Langendorfer, Roberton, Rudisill, Garcia, & Garcia, 2008)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion