National Project "Gymnastics game", a Playful-physical-emotional Pathway in Kindergarten and Primary School

Abstract

International bodies recommend the daily practice of physical activity from developmental age, emphasizing the priority of enhancing levels of motor-sport activity (Who, 2015; 2020). In this sense, physical and sports education in the school setting represents an educational opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of Health Enhancing Physical Activity. The aim of this contribution is to present the national project "Gymnastics Game" promoted by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) and The Italian Gymnastics Federation with the purposes of: facilitating a lifestyle-oriented healthy, cognitive and relational approach from kindergarten onward; preventing deviant behaviour; and developing both useful problem-solving skills facing with a creative approach and adaptable and transferable skills to everyday life. The pilot project, implemented in all regions of Italy's national territory, involved No. 40 schools, a total of 222 classes, 4500 pupils attending sections 3-4-5 years of kindergarten and the first and second classes of primary school (6-7 years old), with an additional 285 classes that only received the educational kit without being able to participate in the pilot project. The initiative involved the active participation of curricular and support teachers of the affected classes, 40 FGI specialists and families. The pathways guidelines have started a nationwide comparison aimed at developing research and educational-methodological innovation in physical and sport science, improving over the years, participation in motor and sports activities and opposing the early abandonment.