Investigating How Play Behavior Influences Motor Skills in Preschoolers

Abstract

This study explored the correlation between the level of play behavior and the level of motor skills of preschoolers. A quantitative approach was used, which included a random sampling of one hundred (100) preschoolers selected from Crossing Bayabas Developmental Center 2, Davao City, Philippines, school year 2024-2025, as assessed by three (3) teachers. The data was gathered using the ECCD Checklist. The motor competencies which were balance, coordination, agility, and precision, among others, were evaluated with the preschoolers as the subjects of evaluation. Frequency counts and weighted mean were utilized to describe the demographic profile of the preschoolers and Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between the level of play performed and the motor skills. The results demonstrated that the play behavior of the preschoolers does not significantly influence their level of gross motor skills with an r value of 0.175. But, does so with fine motor skills in a weak but impactful way, demonstrated by an r value of 0.375. The conclusion the research was able to arrive at was that play behavior impacts fine motor skill development, but with a lesser influence on gross motor skills development. Further investigation on the enduring effects of early play was suggested for future study.