Browsing by Author "Candolin, Heidi"

The aim of this study is to assess the view of kindergarten teachers on children’s need for physical activity, how they perceive the connection between children’s physical activity and ability to concentrate, as well as the experience they have of this connection. In the theoretical part of the work, I discuss current views on children’s motor development, children’s need for physical activity, children’s cognitive development, and how the regulatory documents deal with physical activity. The qualitative study was carried out by interviewing three kindergarten teachers at three different kindergartens in Helsinki. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and then analysed. The results indicate that kindergarten teachers perceive a connection between children’s physical activity and ability to concentrate, in agreement with prevailing theories. They realize the importance of physical activity for children’s health and development, and fulfil the official requirements for physical activity. They realize as well the importance of emphasizing the importance of physical activity for health to children as well as to parents and other personnel at kindergartens. With the reservation that only three kindergarten teachers were interviewed, the results of this study indicate that kindergarten teachers at kindergartens realize the importance of physical activity for the development of children, and that great emphasis is placed on satisfying children’s need for activity.