Children with disabilities (CWD) tend to participate in fewer physical activities than typically developing children. During motor play, CWD often depend on teachers to provide direct instruction and frequent opportunities to practice motor skills, to interact with their peers, and learn new skills. To promote participation in physical activities…

Although the effects of focus of attention (FOA) on the performance of gross motor skills are now well understood, less is known about the role of FOA in naturalistic classroom settings where learners are engaged in the ongoing acquisition and refinement of complex motor skills. The purpose of this study, the first of its kind, was to explore how…

While we are seeking new ways to ensure students' academic success, we must ensure that we are not neglecting their need for physical activity. As we innovate to improve academic success, we can also seek ways to overcome the challenges of space, time, and behavior management to reap the benefits of movement, which include increased student…

The early identification of motor difficulties through psychomotor assessment is fundamental for the planning of individualized and differentiated educational programs. In the field of motor activity, observation plays a crucial role. This is characterized by the knowledge of the level of psychomotor and auxiological development, the definition of…

This teaching tip focuses on using hand-clapping to teach content area material across the curriculum. We begin with a brief history of hand-clap songs, followed by a rationale for using them in content area literacy. Then, we describe the instructional lesson, share samples that resulted, and discuss lesson extensions. Our goal is to have…

This publication is a hands-on activity resource guide for early childhood educators designed to be used in conjunction with "Beginnings: Early Childhood Education in Oklahoma." The purpose of the guide is to present a variety of learning activities on various levels, allowing teachers to choose activities which are appropriate to each…

Suggestions for circus-related physical activities. (SP)

Recognizing the role of physical activity in helping young children to attain desired objectives, educators should continually be investigating avenues for involving children in daily physical activity. This paper presents the Active Living approach, a uniquely Canadian experience that encourages young children to be physically active every day.…

Desk and chair activities for use with handicapped and nonhandicapped elementary children in the classroom are described. The activities require minimal equipment while providing opportunities for vigorous physical movement. Activities are discussed which feature using the aisles between desks, sitting at the desks, and performing circuit and…

This booklet was designed to help primary classroom teachers present a program of movement education. Six aims form the foundation of the program: (1) to help teachers become movement experts within the confines of their classrooms; (2) to suggest ways and means of providing movement experiences in a limited space, thereby relieving children of…

A Piagetian day care curriculum for infants and toddlers is presented. Six chapters, divided by developmental stage from birth to 24 months of age, discuss developmental characteristics of the child, suggest tasks for the caregiver to enhance social/emotional growth and language development, and describe appropriate games and activities.…

Presented is a curriculum guide for preschool programs serving both handicapped and nonhandicapped children. It is explained that the guide is intended to suggest classroom activities which will strengthen existing skills and encourage development of new skills. The guide presents information on objectives, materials and procedures for the…

Examines why early development of motor skills is important, and presents easily implemented activities for 3- to 5-year-old children. Provides practical ideas for using large-muscle activities in both indoor and outdoor settings. Specific activities focus on use of balloons, blankets, and balls to achieve development. (SD)

Encourages incorporating music activities into early childhood education. The many benefits of early exposure to music include increased physical coordination and motor skills, advances in listening, vocabulary building, and aesthetic enjoyment. Includes a list of selected resources. (MJP)

Presented are descriptions of 245 activities for use with young handicapped children. The activities, compiled by teachers in the Austin Early Childhood Special Education Program, are grouped according to the following 12 areas: pre-academic, language, science, perceptual, motor, games, music and creative expression, social-emotional, arts and…