THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PARENTAL EDUCATION IN THE FORMATION OF MOTOR SKILLS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION KNOWLEDGE OF YOUNG SCHOOLCHILDREN

Abstract. The deterioration of children’s health status and the steadily increasing number of children with illnesses highlight the need to update approaches to cooperation between educational institutions and families. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of parents’ physical development and educational level in the formation of physical skills and physical education knowledge of primary school pupils. Methods. The study employed analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, sociological methods, pedagogical observation, a pedagogical experiment, and methods of mathematical statistics. The pedagogical experiment was based on the implementation of a specially designed program of joint school–family activities aimed at improving parents’ physical education literacy and enhancing children’s physical fitness indicators. The theoretical component included lecture-based sessions focused on developing parents’ conscious attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle and physical activity. The practical component involved the organization and implementation of “family-based activities,” within which parents actively participated in the educational process of physical education. Analysis of the obtained results revealed statistically significant positive changes in pupils’ physical fitness indicators. In particular, girls demonstrated improvements in speed, strength endurance, overall endurance, and flexibility tests, whereas boys showed statistically significant increases in coordination and endurance performance. Thus, the findings of the study confirm the effectiveness of parental involvement in the physical education process and demonstrate the achievement of the research objectives. The implementation of the proposed measures contributed to increased pupils’ interest in physical activity and, consequently, to improved physical fitness outcomes.