Self-regulation and self-determination are part of a continuum of behaviors that are acquired through interaction with the social and physical environment and through problem solving based on experiences that begin in infancy and build throughout early childhood. These abilities should be nurtured early for all children, especially within the…

Characteristics and uses of a soft play room completely filled with soft modular play equipment are described. Gross motor activity and social interaction characterize play by young children in this environment. (DB)

Reviewed are the causes of oxygenation deprivation during the birth process, effects on the brain, clinical manifestations, developmental consequences in terms of cognitive and motor deficits, and implications for educators. (JDD)

This book views gymnastics as both sport and art and provides gymnasts with an introduction to the types of dance training that can enhance their performances. Dance training routines that incorporate several dance styles are presented to help gymnasts acquire polish, prevent injuries, improve their body alignment, express their creativity, and…

Computers can be used to help develop physical proficiency in the handicapped student if appropriate software is used. Suggested computer use for various educational purposes includes sports games, assessment, simulation, and accommodation of severe disabilities. (DF)

The Children's Developmental Play Program at Jacksonville State University (Alabama) encourages fine and gross motor skills in developmentally disabled children while simultaneously improving self-concept and optimizing risk taking behaviors. (SB)

This paper describes motor development and movement skills and lists activities appropriate for kindergarten students. Locomotor, stability, and manipulative skills are defined and stick figure drawings are presented of kindergarten-level exercises. Games for enhancing locomotor and manipulative skills are described. "Stunts" and other activities…

Initiating change in preschool and elementary schools could enhance childrens' present physical fitness and help them understand and achieve physical fitness in adulthood. Mastering motor skills and locomotor patterns in early childhood is important to future physical development. A new direction for physical activity programs is offered. (DF)

Rhythmic gymnastics is an outgrowth of rhythmic and dance gymnastics and promotes good posture, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, along with appreciation of music and movement together. The current status of rhythmic gymnastics and its historical development are briefly discussed. Descriptions are given of rhythmic gymnastic…

This manual describes motor development laboratory activities to help future physical education teachers observe, assess, measure, and test students' motor skills. A total of 20 laboratory activities are described under five sections geared toward: (1) physical growth and maturation; (2) assessing early motor development; (3) assessing basic motor…

The importance of learning new movement skills is shown in relation to learning folk dances. Folk dancing not only improves physical skills, but also results in an understanding and appreciation of the richness of other cultures. (JN)

A comprehensive activity program requires a conceptual framework to guide appropriate curriculum design. An understanding of motor development and of the ways physical settings interact with the learning child are essential to program construction. (JN)

Based on the SEFAM (Supporting Extended Family Members) program, the manual is intended to help organize a program for fathers of handicapped young children. A program for fathers and infants focuses on unique father concerns and resources. The first chapter further explores reasons for father programs while the second describes program components…

The Basic Stuff project is an effort to include more general concepts such as the effects of exercise, the learning of a new skill, and psychological factors influencing performance. The Basic Stuff Series attempts to summarize for teachers appropriate concepts and teaching methods. (JN)

An approach to occupational therapy (OT) in a rural school is described which utilizes a combination of direct service, monitoring, and consultation. A collaborative style of OT consulting is used, which calls for the therapist to join the child study team when motor-related problems are identified. The approach provides continuous and…