Exploring Three Pedagogical Approaches to Developing Fundamental Movement Skills in Children

Simone Goldrick, Narelle Eather, Nicholas Riley and Gwendalyn Webb

European Journal of Sport Sciences, 2025, vol. 4, issue 2, 27-36

Abstract: Purpose: The primary aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether teaching FMS using Bothmer Gymnastics (taught internationally in Waldorf/Steiner schools), a linear approach, or a non-linear approach is more effective for the acquisition and development of FMS in children aged 5-8 years in the school setting. Method: One school participated in this 3-armed comparison study; with seventy-five children aged 5-8 years from three classes randomly assigned to three treatment groups at the class level. Using distinct pedagogical styles across treatment groups each lesson was delivered by the same researcher during regular 60-minute physical education lessons scheduled once a week over 8-weeks. Weekly lessons with identical aims and objectives from the mandated Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Syllabus targeted FMS development (stability/body control, locomotor, and non-locomotor), with FMS assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development at baseline and 8-weeks follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to determine and compare group-by-time treatment effects. Results: A significant treatment effect was observed for locomotor, manipulative, and total Fundamental Movement Skills (P

Keywords: Bothmer gymnastics; game-centred approach; linear pedagogy; motor skills (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:epw:sport0:v:4:y:2025:i:2:id:9218

DOI: 10.24018/ejsport.2025.4.2.218

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