The effect of a structured movement programme on 5-6 year-old learners on gross and fine motor development

M.Phil. (Sport Science)Abstract: Robinson and Goodway (2009) observed that the exposure to poor environmental conditions of children from disadvantaged communities’ contributed to poor motor dexterity. These children were identified as possible risk candidates for developmental delays and health problems. Children from low socio-economic circumstances (SECs) often face the risk of unsuccessful motor skill development, which is a necessity in holistic development, and which is necessary for children to perform well in school. The study aimed to determine the effect of a structured movement programme on five to six year-old learners in Riverlea, Johannesburg. An intervention programme, consisting of 10 weeks of term time, was implemented to determine the effect of a structured movement programme on five to six year-old learners. A comparative intervention pre- and post-test was conducted on a group of 88 children in Riverlea. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor-Proficiency was used for the assessment motor proficiency. From the data collected (BOT-2) it was evident that the majority of the main categories scored Average, with some being Above Average. The majority of the sub-tests carried out, showed significance in pre- and post-testing. Some of the crèches did not show any significance, as their standards were already on an Average level prior to the intervention. Results will contribute to the current body of knowledge regarding the motor and physical development of five to six year-old children in Riverlea, since currently, there is no baseline information on five to six year-old learners in Riverlea. Age-appropriate motor development and physical activity programmes for children (ages five to six years) will improve their motor development and body composition. Educators at these crèches/pre-primary schools will be trained on how to design and present the appropriate motor skill lessons, as the majority of the personnel do not have formal qualifications