Action-Research Strategy with Musical Stimulation to Improve Motor Development in Early Childhood

Authors

David Alexander Tenemaza-Clavijo

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana sede Guayaquil

[email protected]

Josuany Damaris Paredes-Zúñiga

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana sede Guayaquil

[email protected]

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8454-0502

Carlos Massuh-Villavicencio

Universidad Politécnica Salesiana

[email protected]

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4116-6897

Abstract

Motor development in early childhood is a cornerstone of holistic learning; however, factors such as sedentary lifestyles and limited play spaces have led to delays among children aged 3 to 5. This mixed-methods action-research study examined the impact of a structured musical intervention in an early stimulation center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The participants were ten children and two teachers, and data were collected through a checklist, interviews, and observation logs. After six weeks of musical activities, significant improvements were observed in gross motor skills, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness, with increases of up to 48%. Teachers highlighted greater motivation and participation among children. The findings suggest that music, when systematically integrated, is an accessible pedagogical strategy to strengthen motor development in early childhood.

Keywords

motor development developmental psychology early childhood education education for sustainable development

How to Cite

Tenemaza-Clavijo, D. A., Paredes-Zúñiga, J. D., & Massuh-Villavicencio, C. (2025). Action-Research Strategy with Musical Stimulation to Improve Motor Development in Early Childhood. RECIE. Revista Caribeña De Investigación Educativa, 9, e9863. https://doi.org/10.32541/recie.v9.863

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Section

Research article

Author Biographies

David Alexander Tenemaza-Clavijo, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana sede Guayaquil

Early Childhood Education student at the Salesian Polytechnic University, Guayaquil campus, currently in her eighth semester. In the workplace, he has worked as an intern at a private institution in the city of Guayaquil and has now been working steadily at that institution for a year. As a student, he was part of the María Auxiliadora campus and degree program board, serving as campus president and degree program vice president.

Josuany Damaris Paredes-Zúñiga, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana sede Guayaquil

Early Childhood Education student in Ecuador, with professional internship experience at leading educational institutions in Guayaquil. She has worked with children aged 1 to 6, designing and implementing playful, sensory, and musical stimulation activities that promote comprehensive child development. Her commitment is focused on fostering meaningful, inclusive, and affective learning in early childhood.

Carlos Massuh-Villavicencio, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana

Master's Degree in Educational Management, with honors thesis in Marketing for Educational Institutions, Master's Degree in Information Systems-Business Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Master's Degree in Digital Transformation Project Management for Educational Institutions. Project Specialist, Education Specialist, Primary School Teacher, Bachelor of Education Sciences and Commercial Engineer specializing in Marketing, Master's Degree in Educational Evaluation. With 29 years of teaching experience in primary, secondary, higher, and postgraduate education. Certified teacher of economics for the International Baccalaureate, trainer of trainers, instructional design and e-learning project management, and with experience in educational administration in the public and private sectors, undergraduate and graduate university professor, Vice-Rector of UEPCJAT.