Play and Children’s Kinesiological Activities: A Precondition for Making Daily Exercise a Habit

Research was conducted among 628 primary school pupils from the first to the fourth grade (7-10 years of age) in order to determine preferences for play and kinesiological leisure activities among early school-age children, i.e. children at the age subsequent to preschool age where play is a primary means of impact on a person’s overall anthropological status. The obtained results point to a possible conclusion that the tendency of preference for play, kinesiological activities and both play and kinesiological activities is partly associated with children’s chronological age, although this regularity is somewhat disrupted. Additionally, belonging to a class or a group significantly affects the formation of common preferences. If these results are considered as a consequence of the attitudes towards leisure time formed already at preschool age, and we can agree that the impacts in this period are fairly varied, in addition to a relatively small percentage of children who are included in the organized educational system, it can be concluded that primary education is the time when grouping of attitudes takes place. On the other hand, this does not diminish the influences that take place at preschool age. The present study did not confirm gender differences in preferences for leisure time activities, although some previous experiences did indicate this possibility. Apparently, the differences resulted from belonging to certain groups that have had a more significant effect on determining these preferences. The responsibility of preschool institutions and schools in cooperation with parents primarily refers to preparing children for life in the society and civilization as it is, i.e. society characterized by a significantly reduced need for movement. Forming the habit of daily exercise – movement can significantly impact the reduction of negative effect of sedentary lifestyle, and due to a general feeling of well-being, play is the most appropriate means to achieve this goal in the youngest age group.