Psychomotricity room for physical education work in early childhood education: An exploratory study

Abstract

Psychomotricity is presented as a topic of undoubted relevance within schools. Previous studies reveal deficiencies in relation to psychomotricity, both in teacher training and the spaces and materials intended for it. The aim of the study is to analyze the spaces and equipment that the educational centres of Ávila (Castilla y León) present for physical education work in early childhood education. All study variables are registered through a checklist consisting of 31 items and structured in four dimensions (general aspects; pavement; protection and safety; equipment). The sample is based on 17 educational centres offering second cycle of early childhood education. The results obtained show that none of the centres have a psychomotor room, and 71% of the centres use the gym for physical education work. This study indicates that the spaces for psychomotricity present some deficiencies related to ventilation, lighting, pavement, protection, or equipment. It is recommended to adapt the spaces to the characteristics of the psychomotor room in favor of quality in physical education work in early childhood education.