Developing a Motor Skill-Based Curriculum for Preschools and Kindergartens as a Preventive Plan of Children Obesity in Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia has faced malnutrition and noncommunicable issues for years, yet currently Indonesia just joined the ranks of the top ten most obese countries in the world. The trajectory of the rate of obesity is increasing from childhood to adolescence. Physical inactivity is a factor that contributes to this obesity crisis. Therefore, a preventive action should be comprehensively planned in Indonesia, started from the early age. Fundamental motor skills (FMS) have shown a contribution to the likelihood to be physically active. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a structured physical activity program to promote motor skill competence for early childhood to be implemented at preschools and kindergartens. This study reports a preliminary data of pre-schoolers/kindergarteners competence on FMS and a design of motor skill program that has been piloted in Padang, West Sumatera. The initial analysis of over 100 young children showed that young children in Indonesia have low motor skill competence. Therefore, a motor skill program has been designed and piloted. If the results showed the effectiveness of this program to promote children competence on motor skills, it will be implemented in state-wide in West Sumatera.