Game competence of elementary class teacher: problems and prospects for solution

Abstract

he specifics of the pedagogical activity of a primary school teacher, namely, a special contingent of their pupils, dictates the need to consider the special competence of teachers, which consists in the ability and desire to conduct outdoor games with children. According to the latest data, all over the world there is a fading away of children’s play activity, the disappearance of the play subculture of childhood, neglect of play in primary school and the replacement of the play method in teaching, upbringing and development with repetitive and other educational tools. The Internet and its growing role in a child’s life also remain an acute problem. Purpose of the study – studying the features of the playing competence of a primary school teacher. Research results. The results of the analysis of literary sources indicate the importance of the use of outdoor games and play support of the educational process in primary school, which is confirmed by the need to protect children, as outlined in the UN Resolution on the Rights of the Child to Play. A survey of university graduates with a profile of “Primary education” demonstrates the existence of this problem also in the Republic of Moldova. Future primary school teachers demonstrate a very low level of play competence: ignorance of the theory and methodology of outdoor play, inability to organize and conduct games with children. Observations in schools and gymnasiums indicate that outdoor games are not organized by teachers during recess and in extended day groups. There is also no independent organization of children to participate in outdoor games. Conclusions. The playing competence of a primary school teacher within the framework of non-professional physical education at a university can be formed on the basis of knowledge in the theory and methodology of teaching outdoor games, the ability to select game material, explain the game, divide into teams and choose a leader, manage the game, sum up the game.