MOTOR ACTIVITY: AEROBICS IN KINDERGARTEN FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FUTURE TEACHERS

Abstract

Aerobics, also known as aerobic gymnastics, is a popular and well-liked form of motor activity in Bulgaria. The aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of students—future teachers in educational institutions such as kindergartens and schools—toward the practice of aerobics by preschool-aged children. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were set: Observing pedagogical situations in physical education within kindergartens; Conducting an anonymous survey among students specializing in Preschool and Primary School Pedagogy at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in a full-time study format; Analyzing the results of the survey; Drawing conclusions. The anonymous survey was conducted in January 2025 among second-year students enrolled in the Preschool and Primary School Pedagogy (PPSP) program at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" during the 2024/2025 academic year. The students completed the questionnaire after completing their coursework, which included lectures, seminars, and practical exercises in the mandatory curriculum subject "Pedagogy of Physical Education in Preschool Age," led by the author of this study. Findings from the Survey: Based on the conducted survey among future teachers in kindergartens and schools, the following conclusions can be drawn: Despite the emergence of new types of motor activities with musical accompaniment, aerobics remains a popular discipline; Aerobic step and movement combinations, adapted to the age characteristics of children, are suitable for third- and fourth-group kindergarten children. Children in these age groups enjoy and actively participate in motor activities with musical accompaniment. A training course for additional qualification in the field of motor activities with musical accompaniment would be useful in practice and beneficial for educators.