Perceptual-motor Development of Children in Elementary School

Abstract Problem Statement: The study of human perceptual-motor process has been an area of study for psychologists and physical education teachers, who have emphasized the tight connection of the motor area, nervous system and brain, which completes the personality of the individual. Hypothesis: The study aims to highlight the perceptual-motor development of elementary school children as a result of the education received in school. The inclusion of dynamic physical activities in the educational program, induces positive effects in the development of motor skills of the children. Methods The research methods used are specific to the field. Findings: The subjects studied are 65 children between the ages 6-8 years who attended elementary school. Two groups were studied: G 1 -the experimental group-children participated in educational activities of physical education required in the mandatory program in conjunction with extracurricular activities (athletics, gymnastics, dance) and G 2 -the control group-children participated only in mandatory curricular physical education activities. Assessments were applied in three aspects of investigation: body awareness, spatial awareness and temporal awareness. Conclusions From the analysis of the results, we find sensitive improvements in perceptual-motor development of children, better in children that practice more physical activities.