Effect of Open Play Activities on the Motor Development of Elementary School Children in Rural Areas

Abstrak

This research was conducted to study the influence of outdoor play activities on the motor development of elementary school children in rural areas that still maintain the natural environment as the main space for activities. The high mobility of rural children in outdoor play provides a great opportunity for them to develop motor skills that are not acquired through static activities indoors. The study was implemented using a field study method through direct observation of children's play behavior, their interaction with the surrounding environment, and the motor responses that emerged during the activities. The results show that playing outdoors has a very significant influence on the enhancement of children's gross motor and fine motor skills, especially in the aspects of agility, body coordination, muscle strength, balance, physical endurance, and movement flexibility. Children who frequently play outdoors also demonstrate physical courage, creativity, and the habit of overcoming environmental challenges independently.