The Effect Of Gender In Rhythmic Ability Among Preschool Children Of 5-6 Years Old

Introduction
The ancient Greek philosopher Platon (4th century B. C.) first noted the educational value of music and movement
combination, which contributes to physical and emotional equilibrium of the human. Nowadays, a lot of educational
researchers try to analyze the rhythmic ability of children as measured in either spatial and temporal accuracy [1] or
movement performance according acoustic and visual stimuli [2] or age development [3] or in correlation with
academic skills [4] or as a result of intervention program with Orff’s and Dalcroze’s skills [5]. The aim of the present
study is to examine the effect of gender in the performance of High/Scope Rhythmic Competence Αnalysis Τest, [6] in
preschool children.

Methods
Ninety-four children (40 boys and 54 girls) of 5-6 years old were measured totally. The test included the following
skills: a)Pat lap with both hands,b) Pat the lap alternative c) Walk the beat seated d) Walk the beat standing, in place e)
Walk beat, forward f) Walk beat, backwards. All the children tried the skills twice following a clear tempo of 120 and
130 b/m. The mean score for each child was measured. An independent sample t-test was used to evaluate the effect of
gender in rhythmic ability of children.

Results
The results revealed a statistical significant (p<0.05) superiority of girls in rhythmic ability (figure).
Graph1.The rhythmic ability in boys and girls

Discussion / Conclusions
It seems that rhythmic ability constitutes a gender characteristic that appoints girls more capable than boys in rhythmic
skills performance. For this reason, preschool educators must give more emphasis in boys in rhythmic skills training.

References
[1]. Smoll, F.L. (1974). Journal of Motor Behavior, 6 (1), 53-58.
[2]. Weikart, P.S. et al. (1987). High/scope Resource, Winter, 8-10.
[3]. Ellis, M.C. (1992).Journal of Research in Education, 40 (4), 329-341.
[4]. Haines, C. (2003).Child: Care, Health & Development, 29 (5), 395-409.
[5]. Weikart, P.S. (1989). Ypsilanti,MI: High Scope Press
[6]. Zachopoulou, E.et al. (2003). Physical Educator ,60 (2),51-58

NOTA: O texto com a iconografia está no anexo.

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