Harnessing recreational games to enhance psychomotor skill development in 5-year-old children: Insights from Educational Institution in Huancavelica, Peru

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of structured recreational games on the psychomotor skill development of children at Institution No. 329 in Huancavelica. Given the importance of early childhood development, this research seeks to identify effective strategies to enhance psychomotor abilities through play. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving a sample of 60 children aged 5, divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group participated in a series of structured recreational games designed to improve coordination, balance, and fine motor skills over eight weeks. Pre-and post-intervention assessments were conducted using standardized psychomotor skill evaluation tools. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the significance of the findings. Results: The findings indicated a significant improvement in the psychomotor skills of the experimental group compared to the control group, with statistical analysis revealing a mean increase of 25% in overall psychomotor performance scores. Notable enhancements were observed in coordination, which improved by 30%, and balance, which increased by 28%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the structured recreational games in refining hand-eye coordination and stability. Additionally, fine motor skills exhibited an average increase of 22% in tasks requiring dexterity, such as grasping and manipulation. Qualitative observations revealed increased engagement and enthusiasm among children in the experimental group, with many displaying greater confidence in their physical abilities. Educators noted improved social interactions and teamwork as children collaborated during activities. Overall, these results demonstrate that structured recreational games effectively foster the development of critical psychomotor skills in early childhood, supporting the notion that play-based learning is a vital component of early educational strategies. Conclusion: The significant improvements observed suggest that incorporating these games into early childhood education can lead to enhanced motor skills, which are essential for children's overall development. Educators and policymakers are encouraged to implement structured recreational activities in early childhood curricula to facilitate holistic development and prepare children for future learning experiences. Further research is recommended to explore long-term effects and variations in implementation across different educational contexts.