THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT GAMES IN DEVELOPING THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF PRESCHOOL- AND PRIMARY-AGE CHILDREN

Аннотация

This article examines the role of movement games in the physical development of preschool- and primary-age children. Such games stimulate motor activity, strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and enhance coordination and speed skills. The paper presents practical advice on how to instill healthy-lifestyle elements through play and how to increase the effectiveness ofphysical-education lessons. Keywords: Movement games; physical activity; preschool education; primary education; child health; physical education; healthy lifestyle; coordination; speed. Raising a healthy and well-rounded generation is one of today’s most urgent tasks. In particular, reinforcing the physical condition of preschool- and early primary-age children, cultivating movement culture, and forming health-oriented habits are of paramount importance. Movement games are the most natural and optimal form of activity for children: they boost motor activity and positively influence cognitive and social development. Purposeful use of movement games has therefore become an integral part of the educational process in physical-education sessions. A movement game is a multifaceted activity that meets a child’s natural needs. Through such games children learn tocontrol theirmovements, maintain balance, and thinkquickly. Research shows that between the ages of 3 and 10 children experience the highest need for movement; properly organized movement games at thisstage achieve thefollowing:  Develop movement coordination;  Strengthen muscles and bones;  Stimulatethecardiovascular and respiratory systems;  Foster communication andteamwork skills. Observations in several preschool institutions in Tashkent Region revealed that children who played movement games two orthree times aweek displayed:  an 18 % increase in physical endurance;  12 %improvement in speed-based tasks;  higherteamwork skillsand social activity;  greater stress resilience and self-confidence. 357 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue06(2025) Simple games such as “Who’s Faster?”, “Relay Race”, and “Bring the Ball Back” refine key movement skillslikerunning, bending,and jumping. For primary-school pupils,physical-education classes are not only about movement; they are also a tool for teaching discipline, attention, and self-control. Embedding movement games into the lesson content raises interest and encourages active participation. Here the pedagogical mastery of the teacher or instructor is crucial: every game must suit the child’s age, physical condition, andpsychological characteristics. Movement games are an essential means of physical development for preschool- and primary-age children. They strengthen health, increase motor activity, develop physical qualities, and—most importantly—allow children to learn about lifethrough movement. Practical recommendations 1. Allocateat least 10–15 minutesto movement games in every physical-education lesson. 2. Integratemovement games intoextracurricular activities as well. 3. Encourage parents to support children’s motoractivity at home. 4. Update and practice-orient methodological manuals for instructors.