The Impact of Action Songs on Gross Motor Skill Development in Preschool Children: A Greek Kindercarten Case Study

Action songs constitute an efficacious pedagogical methodology for the enhancement of gross motor skills and the refinement of kinaesthetic coordination, concurrently fostering cooperation, socialisation, and children's socio-emotional development. Through the integration of musical and kinaesthetic modalities, these songs contribute to the development of foundational competencies and the establishment of a conducive learning environment. This empirical study, conducted within a private nursery setting, explored the application of action songs in early childhood education and their consequential impact on children's gross motor skill development. Specifically, the research investigated the mechanisms through which action songs influence gross motor skills, analysed the pedagogical strategies employed by educators to integrate these songs into daily curricular activities, and examined their perceptions regarding the relative effectiveness of these songs compared to alternative activities. Furthermore, the study addressed the challenges encountered by educators during the implementation of these activities. Research inquiries centred on integration strategies, perceived efficacy, and implementation obstacles. Data analysis revealed that action songs are both prevalent and effective, yielding substantial benefits in motor development and promoting active engagement. Educators employed diverse strategies, yet encountered limitations such as restricted spatial resources and temporal constraints.