Improving Gross Motor Skills and Computational Thinking in Preschools

This core research area develops and implements a research-based and theoretically grounded curriculum, known as SKIP+CODE (Successful Kinesthetic Instruction for Preschoolers + Computation Opportunities for Developmental Equity.)

This curriculum supports the development of kindergarten readiness, executive function, an active lifestyle and the gross motor skills needed to pursue educational pathways toward STEM careers and healthy development.

Project Significance

• Gross motor development is theorized to be the fundamental mechanism for a physically active life, an important area for work-life balance in STEM careers.
  
  
• By targeting motor skills and computational thinking simultaneously, children can start kindergarten ready to learn academics and behavioral skills. 
  
  

Research Innovation 

Computational thinking and gross motor skills have previously been explored as separate developmental needs. Our research approaches both these developmental areas at the same time. 

This integration of gross motor skills and computational thinking may work together to enhance preschoolers’ motor competence, cognitive skills and social skills, ultimately leading to a greater likelihood of kindergarten readiness. 

Research Aims

1. Develop 8 lesson plans (4 lesson plans in each development year) of SKIP+CODE curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and training materials for promoting implementation and fidelity
   
   
2. Obtain initial evidence of the SKIP+CODE curriculum and training materials for use in rural preschool classrooms
   
   
3. Obtain initial evidence of the outcomes of the SKIP+CODE curriculum for children

Purpose: To integrate and examine the synergistic effects of a robotics coding curriculum that develops computational thinking, a foundational STEM skill, with an efficacious motor development intervention among preschool youth

Hypothesis: This curriculum will positively impact executive function, kindergarten readiness, an active lifestyle and gross motor skill development in preschoolers

Goal: Support the development of the foundational skills needed to pursue educational pathways toward STEM careers

Vision: Preschoolers in rural schools that are ready for kindergarten and have the developmental skills in place to pursue STEM education in the future

SC Impact

While this research improves many aspects of the rural education system in South Carolina—a high percentage of the state's schools—certain areas will benefit greatly from this focus area and the institute's work at large.