Traditional games of Northern Peoples as a means of developing motor-coordinative abilities in older preschool children

The relevance of this research is determined by the problem of a deficit in motor-coordinative abilities in older preschool children, which is confirmed by empirical research data. The increase in hypodynamia, caused by the displacement of spontaneous motor activity by static forms of leisure involving gadgets, poses a serious challenge to the preschool education system. The need for targeted pedagogical work on the development of basic motor skills is due to their fundamental role not only in the physical but also in the cognitive development of the child, which necessitates the search for and implementation of effective pedagogical approaches. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the necessity and propose an effective approach to developing motor-coordinative abilities in older preschool children through traditional games of the Northern Peoples. Research methods and organization. The study conducted by ANO GRD “Laboratory of Childhood” involved older preschool children – girls and boys aged 6–7 years. A set of tests was used for diagnostics: shuttle run 3×10 m, static balance, throwing and catching a ball, bouncing a ball off the floor, and jumping rope. Research results and conclusions. The data revealed a systemic issue: the majority of children exhibit low to medium levels of development in the main components of coordination. Significant difficulties were observed in operational coordination, static and dynamic balance, visuo-motor coordination, and movement rhythm. Although a positive trend was noted by age seven, only a small proportion of children achieved high-level performance. These results underscore the urgent need for targeted pedagogical intervention to develop coordinative-motor abilities — foundational not only for physical development but also for cognitive growth. As an effective means, it is proposed to use the traditional games of the Northern Peoples, which ensure the comprehensive and natural development of physical qualities (balance, agility, accuracy, spatial orientation), and also possess significant cultural and motivational potential for older preschool children.