Supporting Young Children’s Physical Development through Tailored Motor Competency Interventions within a School Setting

<i>Background/Objectives:</i> 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. <i>Methods:</i> 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. <i>Results:</i> 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> 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.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Children
Published
2024-09-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children11091122
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Children's Physical and Motor Development
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
3.95
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Supporting Young Children’s Physical Development through Tailored Motor Competency Interventions within a School Setting

Kristy Howells, Ellie Huggett
5 citations
Children
Children's Physical and Motor Development
3.95
article

Supporting Young Children’s Physical Development through Tailored Motor Competency Interventions within a School Setting

Kristy Howells, Ellie Huggett
article en
5 citations

Abstract

<i>Background/Objectives:</i> 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. <i>Methods:</i> 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. <i>Results:</i> 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 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> 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.

ChildrenVol. 11(9)
Canterbury Christ Church University (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Children's Physical and Motor Development
3.95
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.