Young children with HCP experience difficulties performing age-appropriate daily activities such as self-care and play. Research in neuroplasticity has shown that intensive, task-specific training in early development is ideal to maximize functioning in children with HCP. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a new manualized…

Developmental data suggested that mental simulation skills become progressively dissociated from overt motor activity across development. Thus, efficient simulation is rather independent from current sensorimotor information. Here, we tested the impact of bodily (sensorimotor) information on simulation skills of adolescents with Autism Spectrum…

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…

Simple observation of dance movement, while very useful, can lead to misconceptions, about the physical realities of dance movement, that make learning difficult. This gap between reality and understanding can be reduced by the application of biomechanical techniques such as cinematography, electromyography, and force-plate analysis. Biomechanical…

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)

This investigation seeks to provide information on the motor creativity of preschool deaf children. A play apparatus known as the London Trestle Tree Apparatus was used. Data were collected on motor creativity using the Torrance Test of Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement. The Lubin Motor Creativity Testing Protocol was used to test motor…

This report is a collection of five papers emphasizing the significance of the young child's motor development. Each paper addresses at least one of four objectives: (1) to help develop clearer insights concerning the significance of physical activity in the early years of childhood; (2) to examine the existing body of knowledge from research and…

Instructors of professional preparation courses for teachers have too often neglected responsibility for application of theory into practice. The Basic Stuff Series is envisioned as a medium through which disciplinary scholars and professional physical education practitioners can share their expertise. (JN)

After a brief overview of theory related to motor skill development in children, an update on approaches to motor development assessment and programming is provided. Descriptive/product, process-oriented/diagnostic, process/descriptive, and reflex testing approaches taken in motor ability assessment are reviewed, and some of the strengths and…

This book deals with the following areas: (a) basic motor development and readiness of the young child for movement activities, (b) learning and developmental theories commonly used in early childhood education, (c) instructional approaches for using movement as a learning modality, and (d) general educational implications which can be ascertained…

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)

Notes benefits of movement experiences to young children. Explains and discusses developing and refining movement patterns and developing perceptual abilities so that sensory information can be used to help refine movement skills. Includes an annotated bibliography of 15 pertinent references. (SB)

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 purpose of this publication is to introduce the elementary classroom teacher or physical education specialist to a creative approach to movement education which can be implemented with limited facilities, equipment and funds. The first section, concerned with organization of programs, includes recommended percentages of time per year to be…

Movement is a natural part of life, and body and mind should develop together. (JD)