Physical activities in Hong Kong kindergartens: Grade-level differences and venue utilization

Physical activities in Hong Kong kindergartens: Grade-level differences and venue utilization

• Fan, Thomas The Education University of Hong Kong
• Bautista Arellano, Alfredo The Education University of Hong Kong
• Chan, King Chung Derwin The Education University of Hong Kong

Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 2024

Taylor & Francis

2024

• A Human Growth & Development
  • AG Child Development & Health
• S School Environment & Facilities, Organization
  • SD Physical Education Facilities

Classroom Practice Kindergarten Education Physical Activities Grade Level Venue

• Hong Kong

• 1997.7 onwards

• Pre-Primary Education

This study aimed to (1) investigate the provision of physical activities in Hong Kong kindergartens across different grade levels and (2) examine the availability and utilization of venues in or near kindergartens for physical activities. We surveyed 526 hong Kong kindergarten teachers. Descriptive statistics and parametric statistical techniques (e.g. one-way ANOVA) were employed. Participants across all three grade levels reported implementing physical activities relatively infrequently (M = 2.47), with higher provision of unstructured physical activities involving low degrees of physical exertion and risk. However, K3 teachers (M = 2.55, SD =.45) were found to provide more physical activities than K1 teachers (M = 2.43, SD =.47, p =.033) and K2 teachers (M = 2.42, SD =.42, p =.030). Indoor venues were more commonly reported in or near kindergartens and were more frequently utilized for physical activities. In contrast, the availability and utilization of outdoor venues were limited. The results highlight the distance between internationally accepted physical activity guidelines and actual practices in Hong Kong kindergartens. We conclude that the limited opportunities for physical activities may not be enough for children to develop themselves optimally. Offering longer kindergarten programs and a wider range of easily accessible venues for physical activities would be vital to improving this situation. Copyright © 2024 Childhood Education International.

• English

Journal Articles

• 02568543

• 10.1080/02568543.2024.2420999

https://bibliography.lib.eduhk.hk/bibs/054c004c

2025-05-12