Supporting young children’s physical development through tailored motor competency interventions within a school setting
Journal article
Huggett, E. and Howells, K. 2024. Supporting young children’s physical development through tailored motor competency interventions within a school setting. Children (Basel, Switzerland). 11 (9), p. 1122. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091122
Authors | Huggett, E. and Howells, K. |
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Abstract | Background/Objectives: This study investigated how tailored motor competency (MC) interventions within a bespoke Scheme of Work (SOW) can support young children’s physical development (PD) by enhancing fine motor skills (FMS) and gross motor skills (GMS). The objective was to enable children to meet curriculum developmental physical milestones. Methods: The longitudinal case study design was conducted over 19 weeks across three academic terms and focused on 25 children (12 boys and 13 girls aged between 5 and 6 years old). Interventions within the SOW were evaluated at six points to assess effectiveness and to make adjustments. Data collection included observations on FMS and GMS development. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in FMS and GMS after implementing the MC interventions. Notable improvements included hopping, running, climbing, kicking, catching, and using scissors (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of holistic approaches to PD, highlighting the need for early intervention and the crucial role of educators. The findings advocate for strategically planned MC interventions and practitioner observations to achieve longitudinal improvements in PD. The study recommends nationwide implementation to enhance PD outcomes, preparing children for lifelong and life-wide MC. |
Keywords | Motor competency; Physical development; Motor skills; Young children; Fine motor skills; Gross motor skills; Core strength and coordination |
Year | 2024 |
Journal | Children (Basel, Switzerland) |
Journal citation | 11 (9), p. 1122 |
Publisher | MDPI AG |
ISSN | 2227-9067 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091122 |
Official URL | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/9/1122 |
Publication dates | |
13 Sep 2024 | |
Online | 13 Sep 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 12 Sep 2024 |
Deposited | 18 Sep 2024 |
Accepted author manuscript | File Access Level Restricted |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Additional information | Publications router. |
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Publisher's version
children-3181499_publisherVersion_12thSeptember2024.pdf | ||
License: CC BY 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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