A comprehensive model for organizing different approaches used in presenting dance movements focuses on the essential content of movement for elementary school children and examines the development of dance for young children from functional movement to more artistic experiences. (JN)

Dance movement instruction was shown to enhance spatial awareness in 16 visually impaired elementary students. Initiating such instruction early in life might be beneficial in treating movement inhibitions. Large-muscle and cardiovascular activities in physical education programs are complemented by the positioning, sequencing, movement, and…

The article describes the program used in the Belmont (Massachusetts) public elementary schools involving the Dalcroze Eurhythmics approach to music and movement with special needs children. (SB)

Practice and repetition are necessary for the acquisition of motor skills. Effective practice depends on: (1) a clearly defined goal or purpose; (2) a carefully structured, gamelike progression of practice opportunities; and (3) the provision of feedback or knowledge of the results of the motor performance. (JN)

Believes that Emile Jaques-Dalcroze is not the only person who has affected movement-based instruction. Highlights the history of movement-based instruction in elementary music education by addressing the influence of Isadora Duncan and modern dance, the efforts of Francois Delsarte and Rudolph von Laban, and the role of remedial perceptual-motor…

Sensory and motor experiences are essential in childhood and are the foundation for all higher level learning and skill acquisition. This paper examines how young children make sense of sensory experiences, focusing on infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. It also looks at the importance of creating an environment rich in…

Perceptual-motor functioning is a cyclic process involving: (1) organizing incoming sensory stimuli with past or stored perceptual information; (2) making motor (internal) decisions based on the combination of sensory (present) and perceptual (past) information; (3) executing the actual movement (observable act) itself; and (4) evaluating the act…

The described teacher inservice education program is designed for elementary school teachers and administrators who are interested in child development in relation to individually guided education. The scope and sequencing of topics in the program are outlined, and the activities and resources involved are described. Ordering information for…

Before discussing the development of skills for playing elementary school physical education games, this document lists basic assumptions about children, movement education, games, and elementary school physical education. Four basic concepts, which are common to all team games, are identified: (1) use of personal and moving space and finding…

The idea that the brain may be more complex and varied in the ways that it responds to and interprets information than is generally recognized suggests that both the left and right hemispheres are in need of total development. In discussing the development of curriculum that will bring into harmony the functions of both brain hemispheres, it is…

Provides a descriptive listing of museums and science exhibits that are essentially participatory and playful in nature for young children. Offerings in the areas of natural history, museums, science and technology centers and specifically children's museums are outlined. Educational benefits are discussed. (ML)

Physical education programs at the nursery and elementary school levels should stress the development and refinement of fundamental movement patterns and a wide variety of sport skills instead of dealing with specialized skill development through refined performance experiences. The developmental model of physical education is based on the…

The School and Home Enrichment Program for Severely Handicapped Children includes 332 activities. Focus is on the development of sensory responsiveness, eating skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, expressive language, receptive language, personal hygiene, dressing, and social interaction that can be used by parents or teachers as a…

The paper discusses the use of computer technology with severely physically disabled children to facilitate sensory-motor development and enable acquisition of the cognitive prerequisites for augmentative communication. Following a discussion of theoretical perspectives on communicative and cognitive development, the characteristics of children…

The Child Development Program at John Adams School in North Brunswick, New Jersey, was designed to be an immediate intervention for children with learning problems in the early elementary grades. This two-volume guide describes the work done in the program and how the program can be replicated. The first book details characteristics of the…