Play with orientation: a methodological proposal for pre-school physical education - DOI: 10.4025/reveducfis.v20i4.7014

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of distinct movement programs on the motor development and the engagement of preschool children. The participants were 71 children, aged 5-6 yr, who attended at the Associação da Creche de Braga (Portugal). Experimental groups benefited from distinct programs (Play with Orientation and Free Play in Enriched Environment). TGMD-2 was administered for the analysis of motor development of children. For examining their engagement in the programs, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was done of the skills assessed in TGMD-2, which were performed by children during the sessions. Results evidenced that: (a) the children participation in the Play with Orientation program brought gains in their motor development, whereas no changes were observed in those in the Free Play in Enriched Environment group, nor in those in Control Group; (b) during the interventions, children in the Play with Orientation group showed to be more engaged than those in the Free Play in Enriched Environment group.