A longitudinal analysis of the physical skills of students entering kindergarten

Concern about the level of physical skill development of young children has surfaced since the late 1900s due to the increase of childhood obesity and the decrease in opportunities for children to play freely outside. Increased usages of technology and changes in the way people live have also contributed to this concern. Project First Step began in 1991 to measure the physical skills of beginning kindergarten children to provide teachers with information on strengths and deficiencies in this domain. The focus of this research goes beyond a descriptive quantitative study looking at trends over the past 17 years of children's physical skills and includes aspects of a comparative descriptive design. In addition, an analysis of the physical skills that children possess during the final time period (2006-2008) will be addressed to assist teachers in developing strategies for young children's optimal learning. The works of Piaget and Gesell provide the theoretical base for this study. The results of this study showed that physical skill levels have dropped significantly from the 1991-1992 time period until the 2006-2008 time period. Significant drops occurred in 52 of the 66 t-tests, indicating that physical skill levels are decreasing in all 10 areas screened and for overall skills as well. The scores were significantly lower in all areas in the 2006-2008 time period than in the 1991-1992 time period. The results of this study will help parents and educators to address the declining opportunities for children's physical skill development.