Big Activities in small Spaces in Early Childhood Education and Care
Kataeva, Ekaterina; Torrey, Sandra (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121837138
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121837138
Tiivistelmä
The main object of this thesis was to create a comprehensive framework for gross motor activities that can be completed in a small area. The aim was to develop easy to use practical guidelines to enhance both the quantity and quality of physical activity in daycare settings.
The theoretical background of the work is based on several developmental theories. These theories focus on different aspects of development and support the recommendations regarding physical activity in the early childhood years.
KARVI surveys show that despite the recommendations there were not enough physical activities in the daycares. One of the most common reasons was a lack of space in the daycare premises. Based on this information, the goal of the thesis was to compile a booklet of fun physical activities that can be completed in a small area and used creative materials like paper cups, masking tape and balloons.
The activities are organized into age groups 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 years, then further sorted in 3 motor skills categories: locomotor, balance and manipulation.
From the vast array of exercises offered in various sources, those that met the established goals of the thesis were included in the final booklet.
Through this thesis, it was found that physical activity can be increased within the early childcare setting. Through the increased physical activity, the children also improved their social skills, gross motor skills and used their creativity to expand activities to create new tasks, building independence and confidence.
This thesis was conducted as a development based thesis in portfolio format in the Bulb platform. It is not a public document.
Key Words: gross motor, physical activity, small space, early childhood education and care, early childhood gross motor skills and physical activities.
The theoretical background of the work is based on several developmental theories. These theories focus on different aspects of development and support the recommendations regarding physical activity in the early childhood years.
KARVI surveys show that despite the recommendations there were not enough physical activities in the daycares. One of the most common reasons was a lack of space in the daycare premises. Based on this information, the goal of the thesis was to compile a booklet of fun physical activities that can be completed in a small area and used creative materials like paper cups, masking tape and balloons.
The activities are organized into age groups 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 years, then further sorted in 3 motor skills categories: locomotor, balance and manipulation.
From the vast array of exercises offered in various sources, those that met the established goals of the thesis were included in the final booklet.
Through this thesis, it was found that physical activity can be increased within the early childcare setting. Through the increased physical activity, the children also improved their social skills, gross motor skills and used their creativity to expand activities to create new tasks, building independence and confidence.
This thesis was conducted as a development based thesis in portfolio format in the Bulb platform. It is not a public document.
Key Words: gross motor, physical activity, small space, early childhood education and care, early childhood gross motor skills and physical activities.