Development Program of Basic Physical Movement Skills for Early Childhood in Guangzhou City, China

Abstract

Background and Aim: The data highlights the persistent issue of high obesity rates among young children, aged 3-6, despite economic development and improved living standards. The overall physical fitness of children in this age group is deemed suboptimal, impacting their health, learning efficiency, and social adaptability. Recognizing early childhood as a critical phase for physical and mental development, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council emphasize the importance of physical education in the compulsory education stage. The recommended teaching model involves imparting health knowledge and basic motor skills, with an evolving focus on specialized motor skills. The study aims to investigate means and curriculum arrangements for physical fitness and skill exercises, intervening in basic motor skills to promote a holistic approach to physical and mental development in young children, ultimately contributing to the sustainable advancement of physical education. Materials and Methods: In this paper, using the methods of literature review, experimental method, expert interview method, observation method, and questionnaire survey method, an eight-week intervention experiment was carried out on 30, 5-6-year-old children, and the classroom teaching content was arranged in the way of physical fitness and basic motor skills integration. Results: The results of the two-month intervention experiment were as follows: the development of physical fitness and basic motor skills was better than that of the pre-intervention experiment; in terms of physical fitness: boys improved better than girls in standing long jump, 10-metre run, and throwing a tennis ball; girls improved better than boys in flexibility; and the development of coordination and balance was comparable between boys and girls. Regarding basic motor skills: boys outperformed girls in mobility skills; girls outperformed boys in biomechanical skills. Conclusion: In conclusion, the two-month intervention experiment exhibited positive overall outcomes in physical fitness and basic motor skills development, with distinct gender-specific variations. Boys showed superior progress in activities emphasizing strength and speed, while girls excelled in flexibility. Coordination and balance improvements were comparable between genders. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored approaches in physical education interventions to address diverse aspects of children's development.