In this paper we combine a philosophical theoretical analysis with human movement science empirical studies, in order to provide a better understanding of the possible links between free play and creativity. We deal in particular with some dialectical dynamics inherent to free play: the relation between rules and freedom, spontaneity which often…

In the complexities of current realities, we are a writing collective of educators interested in placing hope in the present, particularly in composing practices and pedagogies. Drawing on a post-qualitative methodology, we weave together examples of practices of dance/movement, digital movie-making, and soil artivism with specific concepts of…

Movement integration (MI), which involves providing movement opportunities for students during regularly scheduled classroom time, is a widely recommended approach to supporting the goals of a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP). This article focuses on PA opportunities during regularly scheduled classroom time in the elementary…

This article presents a series of theater games with clear connections to conducting and rehearsing music ensembles, explaining both how to play them and how young conductors will benefit from the experience. These games are published in Viola Spolin's seminal text Improvisation for the Theater, which presents a series of exercises that foster…

Creative dance is an engaging and empowering educational medium. Creative dance provides children with a comfortable, noncompetitive arena where they can explore, discover, and share what they think and feel in the purest of bodily expression. This manuscript highlights a standards based creative dance lesson designed to educate elementary…

As a dance practitioner in education, Jason Ohlberg is interested in how artistic inquiry through interdisciplinary, student-centered processes can engage dancers beyond traditional choreographic practices and offer deeper contexts for learning and growth. The research described in this article began through an inter-institutional initiative,…

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) lessons have leaned heavily on the visual arts in interdisciplinary preservice learning. For preservice teachers, the application of STEAM pedagogies encourages complexity of thought connecting with their past and new experiences as well as greater self-awareness and risk-taking.…

Each year, physical educators are asked to incorporate even more math, language arts, science and social studies into their curriculum. The challenge is how to do this without sacrificing the essential health and life skills provided by a quality physical education program. One program, Math & Movement, is a great aid for physical educators to…

Kinesiology faculty for the 21st century was one of the featured strands of the 2014 NAKHE Collaborative Congress: "STEPS into the future: Exploring opportunities and facing the challenges for the 21st century." Following a brief introduction delegates were assigned to discussion groups with conversations focused around six…

Music is vital to the development of language and listening skills. Both music and language arts consist of symbols and ideas; when the two content areas are used in combination, abstract concepts become more concrete. This article provides information that shows the role of music in helping children meet early learning standards, including those…

Holiday and festival celebrations are a unique form of cultural expression. Physical activities associated with cultural traditions offer the perfect opportunity for physical educators to integrate interdisciplinary teaching in their programs. This article focuses on the application of a multicultural perspective by introducing 12 station tasks…

Most teachers' classroom experiences likely confirm that "fractions have always represented a considerable challenge for students, even into the middle grades" (Van de Walle 2004, p. 242). Because both movement and music enhance learning and retention of academic content (Jenson 2000), we developed a series of lessons that integrated kinesthetic…

In this "Seventeenth Delphine Hanna Commemorative Lecture," Boyce draws on the legacy of Delphine Hanna's work in science-based curriculum to address the need for today's educators to balance both professional mission and disciplinary knowledge. In the mid 1960s, Franklin Henry proposed the notion that the foundation of physical…

Project LINK at the Developmental Center for Autistic Children in Philadelphia provides therapy to emotionally disturbed children and training and consultation for teachers and mental health professionals. Each child is evaluated by treatment team members through repeated observations and informal assessments. The primary goal of treatment is the…

A learning sequence is sketched that enables children to have valid experiences in music, language, mathematics, and movement, more or less simultaneously. The activity starts with a short tune and works toward a song as the solution to the problem. The creation of a dance follows the writing of the song. (RH)