Motor Skill Interventions versus Play-Based Lessons for Preschoolers
Motor Skill Interventions versus Play-Based Lessons for Preschoolers
Preschools provide many opportunities for play and motor skill development. Recent research attempted to answer the question regarding the outcomes of motor skill interventions versus play-based lessons for preschoolers. The study participants included 149 Hispanic pre-K children from low socioeconomic status. All of the children were evaluated with the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales – 2 prior to the start of the study and after a 16-week intervention. The group was divided into an experimental group with 74 children and a control group with 75 children. The experimental group received 800 minutes of skill-based instruction to target gross and fine motor skills. The control group received 800 minutes of play-based lessons with no instruction provided.
Results of the Study on Motor Skill Interventions versus Play-Based Lessons for Preschoolers
After data analysis, the results of the study on motor skill interventions versus play-based lessons indicated the following:
- there was a significant difference between the experimental and control group children on stationary and visual-motor subtests after the 16-week intervention.
The researchers concluded that children in the experimental group benefited from a planned motor intervention program on their gross and fine motor skills. It was recommended that educators and practitioners provide structured lessons with feedback to promote the development of gross and fine motor skills.
Reference: Hamilton, M., & Liu, T. (2018). The Effects of an Intervention on the Gross and Fine Motor Skills of Hispanic Pre-K Children from Low SES Backgrounds. Early Childhood Education Journal, 46(2), 223-230.
Read more on:
Strategies to Support Gross Motor Activities in the Classroom
Motor Skills in Preschoolers from Low SES
Movement Breaks and Time on Task in Preschoolers
Looking for activities to encourage graphomotor and fine motor skills in young children? Check out:
Hands First for Learning Fine Motor Curriculum and Preschool Units
If you need activities to encourage gross motor skills, then check out these resources:
- The ABC’s of Movement®- Combine Movement with Literacy – The ABC’s of Movement® is a pdf document of educational flash cards that combine movement with literacy development. Kids love these colorful flash cards that merge learning the alphabet with twenty-six fun, noncompetitive movement activities. Designed for children of all abilities from preschool through 2nd grade, these flash cards were developed by a physical therapist with learning and physical development in mind. Ideal for home and school use. These bright, bold letters and full-color photographs of children make learning easy and fun!
- The ABC’s of Active Learning – Exploring educational concepts through movement and multiple senses give children opportunities to learn in ways they understand. The alphabet activities from A to Z are a collection of activities that can be used with children of all abilities.
