FORMATION OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN THROUGH ORGANIZATION OF FREE PLAY

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of forming physical development and ecological awareness of preschool children in the conditions of modern socio-economic and environmental challenges. The relevance of integrating physical development and environmental education as interrelated components of the harmonious formation of a preschooler’s personality is substantiated. Scientific and pedagogical approaches to understanding the essence of physical development, motor competence and ecological awareness of preschool children are analyzed. The analysis of scientific and pedagogical sources showed that scientists (Volkova L., Didun V., Dovbnya S., Mykhaylova K.) consider free play activities in the open air as a process of forming a value attitude towards nature and skills of careful handling of the environment. Scientific explorations (Bukhteyev A., Dmytriv R., Gorynevsky V., Zhuravel T., Koshel A., Koshel V., Pangelova N., Tymchyshyn I. and others) define free play activities as a key task of physical education of preschoolers: development of motor skills, coordination, strength, endurance and formation of a healthy lifestyle. Particular attention is paid to the role of free play as a leading type of activity that provides natural motor activity, development of independence, creativity and social interaction of children. The potential of free play in the open air in the formation of a value attitude towards nature, environmentally appropriate behavior and responsibility for environmental preservation is determined. The possibilities of using innovative educational practices, in particular research, game and integrated forms of activity, in combination with physical development with environmental content are revealed. It is proven that the organization of free play under the condition of pedagogical support and the creation of a developmental environment contributes to the strengthening of children’s physical health, the formation of an ecological culture and positive motivation to learn about the world around them. The materials of the article can be used in the practice of preschool educational institutions and in further scientific research on the problem of integrated development of preschoolers.