New Horizons in Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the existing preschool physical education curriculum as implemented in a government nursery in Zhuhai, China through an ethnographic case study involving the use of participant observation, unstructured interviews, questionnaires and study of documents and records.

The results revealed that strictly based on the National Education Guidelines (Nursery), one structured physical education lesson of about 30 minutes per week was organized by two certified preschool teachers in the nursery. Also, a nation-wide preschool physical education syllabus was provided to all teachers for reference. Everyday, a 15-minute morning physical exercise session and a 60-minute physical activity session were arranged for children in the nursery. The spacious indoor games room and outdoor playground with water pool and sand pool and the well-equipped large physical apparatus all contributed to a successful preschool physical education curriculum .

The study's findings have provided systematic and illuminative information as well as elements useful for the preschool physical education curriculum reform in Hong Kong and Macau. These vital elements consist of: full government subsidy for early childhood education; the compilation of preschool education guidelines and syllabus; the provision of adequate facilities and equipment; and the offer of well-trained preschool teachers. Finally constructive recommendations on these aspects for Hong Kong and Macau are suggested.

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