FORMING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH OUTDOOR GAMES

Аннотация

This article analyzes the scientific and methodological foundations for developing a healthy lifestyle in preschool and primary school children through outdoor (courtyard, playground, park) movement-based games. Empirical research results showed that children’s physical activity, psycho-volitional stability, and healthy behavioral habits significantly improved through structured outdoorgames. Keywords: outdoor games, healthy lifestyle, preschool education, primary education, physical activity, children's health, motorskills,ecological climate In global health strategies, outdoor activity is recognized as a key tool for strengthening children's health. Nevertheless, in urban preschool institutions, the time allocated for outdoor movement games is often limited (Uzbekistan Preschool Monitoring Report, 2024). Thesignificance ofoutdoor games lies in theirabilityto:  Engagechildren in physical movement under natural light and fresh air;  Enhance balance and coordination in complex spatial environments;  Enrich social-emotional experiences;  Develop ecological awareness. To develop scientifically grounded recommendations for fostering healthy lifestyle habits in children aged 5–9through outdoorgames.  Participants: 28 children aged 5–6 and 32 children aged 7–9 (total 60), selected from 2 preschools and 1primary school in Termiz city.  Duration: 8weeks, with 30-minutesessions 3times a week (before orafter class).  Program activities: Movement games such as “Maze”, “Hoop-Up”, “Who Reaches the Flag?”,“Duck Race”,“Nature Treasure Hunt”.  Measurements: Eurofit6tests (20m sprint, longjump, sit-ups); o KondasScale ofPsycho-VolitionalStability forChildren; o HealthyHabits Questionnaire(for parents). o  Analysis:Paired t-test and ANCOVA (p < 0.05). https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue5,2025 787 Indicator AtStart After8Weeks Growth,% 20 msprint (s) 5.1 ± 0.4 4.4 ± 0.3*** −13.7 Long jump(cm) 93 ± 8 109 ± 7*** +17.2 Sit-ups (reps) 10 ± 2 15 ± 3*** +50.0 Psycho-volitional stability(pts) 24.6 ± 3.129.8 ± 2.7** +21.1 “Healthy Habits” Index (pts) 58 ± 9 71 ± 8** +22.4 *p < 0.05,**p < 0.01,***p < 0.001 Outdoor games significantly increased participants’ sprint speed and jumping power; muscular endurance improved by 1.5times. Enhancements in psycho-volitional stability and healthy habits reflect thepositiveeffects ofecological stimuliand a social game environment. Theoretical Framework According to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory (1979), natural stimuli from the microsystem (e.g., preschool yard, playground) meet children’s physiological and psychological needs. Outdoorgames in children: 1. Develop coordinated movement skills(balance, spatial orientation); 2. Reducestress hormones (e.g., cortisol), increasing emotional stability (Ulrich, 1984); 3. Reinforce healthy lifestyle behaviors (active leisure, being outdoors). In groups with higher parental involvement, the “Healthy Habits” index was 6.4 points higher (p < 0.05), confirming theimportance offamily support. Outdoor games powerfully stimulate physical, psychological, and social development in preschool and primary school children. The8-week program:  Increased sprint speed by13–14%;  Enhanced jumpingpower by17%;  Improved muscular endurance by50%;  Boosted psycho-volitional stabilityby21%;  Promotedhealthy lifestyle habits by22%. Practical Recommendations 1. Scheduleat least three 25–30-minuteoutdoorgame sessions per week. 2. Gameselection should involvegradually increasing spatial complexity. 3. Parental involvement: Encourage “family sports day” onceaweek. 4. Safety: Ensure playgrounds are clean, flat, and clearly marked.