Abstract:
This study examined adult/child interaction patterns in relation to outcomes as expressed by motor proficiency in a Playgym program for preschoolers. 40 dyads (20 parent/child, 20 trainee teacher/child pairs) were observed over a semester and analysis was based on coded videotape of observed behaviour, a motor checklist and structured interviews to ascertain adult perceptions of change. Results showed clear patterns of interaction for social/emotional, cognitive, physical and task dimensions, difference between three and four year olds in approach to motor tasks and differences between teacher and parent styles of interaction. Statistically, significant differences were found for motor proficiency, but the relationship between patterns of interaction and children's motor proficiency could not be tested statistically, although results were encouraging.