Effects of Different Multi-Year Physical Exercise Programs on Motor Skills in Preschool Children

Acquiring optimal motor skills in preschool children presents a key element for proper psychomotor development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine gender differences and the effects of a multi-year exercise program on the level of motor skills in 161 preschool children (5–6 yo). Participants were divided into one control and three experimental groups. Motor skills were assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). To determine the difference in scores for each BOT-2 test between control and experimental groups, one-way ANOVA was used for girls and boys separately, while two-way ANOVA was used to determine the difference between the genders in the overall BOT-2 score. The results indicate that a 1-year multilateral exercise program has a positive effect on the level of motor skills in preschool children. Interestingly, additional years of participation in exercise programs yielded the maintenance of acquired motor skills level. Additionally, the exercise program affected preschool girls more than boys considering both individual and composite BOT-2 scores. According to the findings of this study, the presented exercise program could have potential benefits on multilateral development of the motor skills in preschool children, which could facilitate the balance of locomotor and manipulative skills. Therefore, the integration of multilateral programs intended for preschool children could be considered for implementation within the kindergarten curriculum.

Gender Based Comparison and Effects of Multi-Year Physical Exercise Program on Motor Skills in Preschool Children

The aim of this study was to determine gender differences in the level of motor skills and effects of a multi-year exercise program on the level of motor skills in 161 preschool children (5-6 yo). Patricipants were deployed into one control and three experimental groups. Motor skills were assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). To determine difference in scores for each BOT-2 tests between control and experimental groups, one-way ANOVA was used for girls and boys separately while two-way ANOVA was employed to determine difference between the gender in the overall BOT-2 score. The results indicates that one-year multilateral exercise program has a positive effect on the level of motor skills in preschool children. Interestingly, additional years of participation in exercise program yielded in maintenance of acquired motor skills level. Also, exercise program affected more girls than preschool boys considering both individual and composite BOT-2 scores. According to the findings of this study, presented exercise program could have potential benefits on multilateral development of the motor skills in preschool children which could facilitate balance of locomotor and manipulative skills. Therefore, integration of multilateral program intended for preschool children could be considered for implementation within the kindergarten curriculum.

IMPLEMENTING STEM APPROACH IN KINDERGARDEN

The following work is devoted to the description of an innovative approach to kindergarten learning through the application of the methods of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, better known as STEM learning. The aim of the work is to increase popularity of the approach and stimulate teachers to implement it more often in the learning process. STEM increases children’s knowledge and skills, thanks to the interdisciplinarity, research approach, learning by playing, learning by doing, project-based and problem-based learning and the opportunity for touching to real-life situations. This paper addresses the main principles of STEM and the possibilities for realization different STEM situations, based on the kindergarten curriculum. Different digital tools are described, like programmable toys and devices and LEGO constructors. Various ideas for conducting experiments are presented, too. They are useful for increasing children’s motivation and interest in the approach. An example version of a plan for work on a STEM project is proposed, which includes the steps for its implementation and which is adapted to the expected learning results in the kindergarten.

Implementation of Character Education during the Pandemic In Tk Aisyiyah 1 Gurah Kediri

The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of the Strengthening Character Education policy based on Regulation of the Minister of Education and Culture (Permendikbud) Number 20 of 2018 during the Covid 19 pandemic. This study used a descriptive qualitative research method. The data sources were the principal and teachers in TK Aisyiyah 1 Gurah Kediri. Based on the research results, it is known that there are three stages in the implementation of Strengthening Character Education (PPK), namely through planning, implementation and evaluation activities. Religiosity, nationalism, independence, mutual cooperation, and integrity as character value listed in Permendikbud No. 20 of 2018 are integrated into the kindergarten curriculum, namely aspects of religious and moral values, social emotional, language, cognitive, art, physical motor skills, Al Islam and Kemuhammadiyahan. During the pandemic, learning activities at TK Aisyiyah 1 Gurah were attempted to achieve the target by planning student activities at Home Learning. The learning process uses a portfolio system through groups on one of the messaging platforms. PPK integrated curriculum evaluation is carried out periodically to find out the deficiencies and necessary improvements.

Comparative Study on Curriculum Guidebook of Kindergarten

With the global emphasis on early childhood education, more and more countries put early childhood education as a strategic position for comprehensive national development. The kindergarten curriculum guidebook is the primary resources for the daily teaching in kindergartens, ensuring the effectiveness and regulatory in kindergarten teaching. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to analyze and evaluate the kindergarten curriculum guidebook and make education more scientific and comprehensive. From an international comparative perspective, this study selected two sets of kindergarten guidebooks between China and South Korea have carried on the comparative analysis and study from five aspects: the guiding ideology, frame structure, general goal, educational contents, and implementation characteristic (Crossley & Watson, 2003). The results provide kindergarten educators a reference to reflect on the focus of the domestic kindergarten curriculum’s educational content and the country’s current educational problems and try to find possible causes or solutions from international comparisons.