THE IMPACT OF PLAY ACTIVITIES ON THE DYNAMICS OF MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AGED 5–6 YEARS

Abstract

The article substantiates directions for improving physical education for older preschool children in light of current challenges and ongoing socio-economic changes. It argues for the feasibility of using play-based activities as an effective means of developing the fundamental motor qualities of children aged 5–6, as they integrate physical, emotional, and social development. The study aims to examine the effect of play-based activities on the dynamics of motor quality development in children aged 5–6. A programme of active games was designed and structured according to types of motor activity (walking, running, balance, jumping, throwing, crawling, spatial orientation) and tailored to children’s age-related and individual characteristics. The results of the pedagogical experiment demonstrated a positive trend in physical fitness indicators, including improvements in speed–strength, coordination, flexibility, and endurance components. The greatest gains were observed in strength endurance and coordinative balance, which supports the effectiveness of exercises involving climbing, crawling, and balance maintenance, as well as games requiring sustained attention and spatial orientation. It was found that the regular integration of active games into the physical-education process increases children’s interest in motor activity, promotes a positive attitude toward physical exercise, harmonizes psychophysiological well-being, and provides a foundation for further physical development in preschoolers. The practical value of the study lies in the possibility of applying the proposed active-games programme within preschool institutions' physical education systems to improve the organization of physical culture and health-related activities. The findings may be used by professionals working with preschool children within educational settings to enhance motor activity and may serve as a basis for further research aimed at developing flexible models and play-based technologies for work with children.