Author

Monaje Ann C. Katipunan
Talungon Elementary School
Talungon, Bais City, Philippines
Email: monajeckat@gmail.com

Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between play behavior and motor skills development in preschoolers, focusing on gross and fine motor abilities. Utilizing a quantitative correlational research design, data were gathered from 100 preschoolers at Bais City Pilot School in Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Three teachers observed and assessed these children to evaluate various types of play behavior and their influence on physical development. The ECCD Checklist, a validated set of observation tools, measured competencies in motor skills such as balance, coordination, agility, and precision in the preschoolers evaluated. The children’s demographic profile was outlined through frequency counts and weighted means, and Pearson’s correlation was used to explore the relationship between play behavior and motor skills among preschoolers. The findings revealed a significant moderate positive correlation between play behavior and gross motor skills. In contrast, a weak yet significant positive association was observed between play behavior and fine motor skills. These results highlight that play is essential in enhancing motor skills development in early childhood, particularly related to gross motor abilities. This emphasizes the need to incorporate play-based learning into preschool education and create specific activities that strengthen gross and fine motor skills. Consequently, it is recommended that teachers be trained in designing and implementing play-based activities, promoting inclusive play environments, and encouraging both structured and unstructured play at home and in educational settings. Further research is advocated to expand knowledge on play’s developmental benefits and provide practical guidance for educators, parents, and policymakers.

Keywords: early childhood education, play behavior, motor skills, quantitative correlational research, Bais City Pilot School

DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404648

Recommended citation:

Katipunan, M. A. C. (2025). Analyzing the effects of play behavior on the motor skills of the preschoolers. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (4), 7078-7089. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0404648

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