Comparison of the Effects of Free and Organized Games on Motor Skills and Social Behavior of Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor in Sport Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D in Motor Behaviour, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Kish, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of free and organized individual and group games on the motor skills and social behavior of 4-6-year-old children.
Methods: The research utilized a semi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test approach. Seventy-five children from preschools and kindergartens in the 4th education district of Tehran were randomly assigned to three groups: free games, organized individual games, and organized group games. Data was collected using the Darsht al-Reikh motor development test-3 and a behavioral scale for preschool and kindergarten children. Data analysis was conducted using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and covariance tests at a significance level of less than 5%.
Results: The results indicated a significant improvement in social skills among children in the organized group games group compared to the other groups. Additionally, the findings revealed a significant difference in gross motor skills between the organized individual and group games groups compared to the free games group, with the group organized games group showing the best performance.
Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of guidance and structured planning in achieving optimal motor development in children. Organized games, with targeted plans and programs, can enhance basic motor skills and social skills in children, ultimately improving their motor competence.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Sports Psychology
Volume 15, Issue 1
2023
Pages 201-211

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 April 2023
  • Revise Date: 09 June 2023
  • Accept Date: 06 September 2023

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