Although most studies in the field of literacy development suggest that writing and reading are two sides of the same coin, very little is known about writing in kindergarten in comparison to the vast number of studies on reading. In this study, we explored the connections between writing and reading using correlation and regression analyses…

Evidence supports a link between handwriting and aspects of literacy, including both reading and writing. Most evidence, however, pertains to children from grade one and above, once foundation skills known to support emerging literacy have been established. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesise the extant literature concerning…

Advances in the use of technology in the classroom have not changed the fact that handwriting remains a primary occupation of students throughout their educational careers. A recent study stated that "up to 27% of children in elementary school are reported to have handwriting problems" (Steinhart et al., 2021, p.2). Despite this fact,…

Background: Physical activity (PA) may benefit academic performance, but it is unclear what kind of classroom-based PA is optimal for learning. Aim: We studied the effects of physically active maths lessons on children's maths performance and maths-related effects, and whether gender and previous mathematical or motor skills modify these effects.…

This study aims to improve fundamental motor skill skills by using manipulative games. The method used in this study was experimental using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The research was conducted by applying manipulative games in physical education learning. To measure and find out the results of the data obtained by researchers using the…

Many students with autism have difficulties engaging with their classroom environments and forming friendships, which are mostly affected by deficits in social, communication, and motor skills. The Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study (SEELS, 2000) data set was used, focusing on elementary age students with autism, to explore the…

The limited amount of research on the influence of social status during group work in physical education has typically focused on interactions and power. What is less understood is whether social status has an impact on various physical education outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity, game performance, and knowledge…

This study aims the evaluation of the level, dynamics and direction of changes in the development of motor skills among early-school aged girls under the influence of a regularly practiced dance. The study involved 357 girls aged 7-10. The experimental group consisted of 192 girls attending dance classes at schools and children's dance groups. The…

Children with postural dysfunction experience difficulties keeping their bodies upright. Without appropriate trunk support, these children are not able to effortlessly control their head and trunk even for a short duration and could impact learning engagement. The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine if optimal trunk support enhances…

Background: Perceptual motor development is crucial during early childhood and not properly addressing it in physical education (PE) can be detrimental. Aim: To determine the effect of a South African curriculum-aligned PE intervention on the visual-motor integration (VMI), visual perception (VP) and motor coordination (MC) of 6-year-old children.…

We aimed to assess the test-retest reliability of five muscle strength and physical function tests in healthy children. Forty-one children (6--9 years) were tested three times 4-10 days apart. The test protocol included maximal isometric leg press, hand grip strength, squat jump, long jump, and a 30-sec sit-to-stand test (STST). When comparing…

Recent evidence suggests that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to neurocognitive functioning by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of resting-state networks (RSNs) in the relation of cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in…

The present study aimed to examine cross-cultural differences in fundamental movement skills (FMS) proficiency levels in children aged 9-10 years old in England and China, using a process-oriented FMS measurement. Four FMS (run, jump, throw, catch) were measured using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2). The sample consisted of 272…

Engagement in physical activity plays a central role in the prevention and treatment of childhood overweight/obesity. However, some children may lack the skills and confidence to be physically active. This 3-year follow-up study aimed to form profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, actual motor competence, perceived motor competence, physical…

Purpose: To investigate the effect of an obstacle course based physical education program, designed according to contemporary insights on motor learning, on motor competence (MC) of 6- to 7-year-old Flemish children. Method: Pupils from 16 primary schools were randomly allocated to either control (n = 173, 50.3% boys) or intervention group (n =…