A theoretical framework for incorporating relaxation instruction in the physical education curriculum is presented based on the assumption that relaxation is a muscular-skeletal skill benefitting general motor skill acquisition. Theoretical principles, a definition of relaxation, and an analysis of stages of skill development are also used in the…

This book is written for physical educators and classroom teachers of elementary school children. It is divided into five parts. Part one presents background information for developing a child-centered program and explores the educational potential of movement experiences. Part two introduces a six-step model designed to provide a sound…

This Maryland State Department of Education document is a guide for the assessment and development of comprehensive K-12 physical education programs in Maryland schools. The first section defines the nature of physical education and describes its relationship to society, the learner, and the school curriculum. The second section presents broad…

Eight papers present information about children's motor development and its application for program design. Jerry R. Thomas, Kathi T. Thomas, and Jere D. Gallagher discuss "Children's Processing of Information in Physical Activity and Sport." In "Toward Inclusion," G. S. Don Morris considers characteristics of children and of motor tasks with…

A taxonomy of psychomotor skills provides a classification of all human movement forms. The development of motor skills in this hierarchy begins with the reflexive physical responses of the infant. The stages of growth include basic interactive movement forms, skilled movement forms, and functional and creative movement forms. This taxonomy offers…

A comprehensive physical education curriculum from kindergarten through grade 12 is presented. Objectives are outlined for each grade level along with descriptions of activities. Grading procedures are described as well as physical fitness testing programs. Course descriptions are given for activities at the high school level, including lifetime…

This paper focuses on physical education for students in preschool (3 to 5 years) and primary grades K-2 (5 to 7 years). It describes developmentally appropriate practices as a set of indicators for high quality play and motor skills programs for all children, including children with special needs. The paper also describes and recommends an…

The paper describes an approach for identifying intervention strategies, techniques, procedures, and activities designed to enhance the developmental competencies of handicapped, mentally retarded, developmentally disabled, and at risk children (birth to 4 years of age). Curriculum procedures are classified according to domains of intervention and…

This research proposal reviews the literature on the development of mobility skills in students with severe physical disabilities and proposes a single-subject study, using a multiple baseline across subjects design, to evaluate effects of the Mobility Opportunities Via Education (MOVE) Curriculum on the mobility skills of sitting, standing, and…

The major part of this preschool curriculum planning guide consists of 44 units focusing on six areas of skill development: fine motor, gross motor, social, self-help, language, and cognitive. Introducing the units are brief discussions of the curriculum in general and the unit approach to instruction. Most units include approximately five…

This guide to preschool curriculum planning presents a unit approach to preschool education and outlines 44 curriculum units. A discussion of methods and principles involved in the development of this curriculum stresses that it is the child, not the teacher, who determines curriculum. Four principles for good teaching are examined: preparing…

This book provides programming ideas, methods, strategies, and adaptations of the learning environment for implementing physical education programs for handicapped students. Part I, "Legislation and the Challenge," introduces Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, its mandates, and its procedures for…

This book provides a blueprint for developing environment, curriculum, instruction, and assessment based on high quality physical education guidelines. There are 17 chapters in four parts. Part 1, "Prepare for Your Journey," includes (1) "Physical Education in a Changing World"; (2) "Reform Efforts in the Middle…