Abstract:

Spontaneous play is a typical activity of preschool children. Through various play activities preschool teachers systematically prepare children for elementary education. In the area of preparation for elementary reading and writing, teachers have developed a stimulation graphomotor programme, which not only develops children’s graphomotor skills but also supports the development of all kinds of perception and gross and fine motor skills. As part of a research study carried out by the Faculty of Education, Palacký University in Olomouc in cooperation with the Educational and psychological counselling centre in Olomouc (branch Prostějov), an experimental group and a control group of kindergarten children were tested for readiness by means of the MaTeRS test after a controlled play activity called the stimulation graphomotor programme. The researchers focused on 6 subtests crucial to graphomotor activities and their mastery. A qualitative approach was used to evaluate the results, according to which the effect of controlled play in the areas mentioned above may encourage children to achieve better results. Controlled play is considered a specific form of learning and an important means of self-education.

Keywords:

Play, preschool education, graphomotor skills, empirical research, qualitative research, subtest, stimulation programme.