The backward chaining instructional method, based on behavioral learning principles, offers swimming instructors an alternative to traditional methods of teaching swimming skills by breaking down the skill into a number of tasks or steps and teaching them in reverse sequence. (CB)

Planned physical education experiences should be an integral part of the preschool or kindergarten curriculum to: foster normal motor development, take advantage of children's readiness to develop and practice motor skills, fulfill children's need and desire for movement, and develop fundamental motor patterns. (CB)

This article describes how application of the generalized motor program, conceptualized by Schmidt, can yield consistent and effective results when teaching students the golf swing. Specific teaching suggestions are given and a brief discussion of the applicability of this program to tennis and swimming is included. (JAH)

An investigation into the effects of dance/movement programs on self-concept in older retired adults indicated that participants had higher, more positive self-esteem than nonparticipants and also had a heightened awareness of joint and muscle usage and body habits. (CB)

Two views of the appropriate subject matter for elementary school physical education are discussed. One involves physical activities such as sports skills and games, and the other looks at human movement such as space and relationships. Textbook authors from 1917 through 1987 are classified according to their perspective. (MT)

The article stresses the importance of play and playgrounds for children's social, physical, and psychological development. It presents data from a national survey of the status and design of play equipment at elementary schools, suggests ways of making equipment safer, and offers basic principles of play center design. (CB)

Beginning at an early age, children need a variety of regular activities focusing on health-related fitness and motor skills development presented in a funfilled environment. Such activity helps them to move more efficiently, use objects, establish healthy exercise habits, and develop essential motor skills. (CB)

This article discusses incorporation of academic curriculum elements into movement units, synchronous movement as a teaching tool, the movement-cognition connection, and identification and use of rhythm and movement elements in the classroom. (IAH)

Details are presented regarding the essential elements of an effective early childhood physical education curriculum. Components include movement awareness, fundamental locomotor skills, fundamental nonlocomotor skills, fundamental manipulative skills, and health-related fitness. (CB)

Movement activities which utilize a rectangular chute are described. The chute, in addition to its motivational qualities, can be employed in several fitness areas--flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. (IAH)

The need for teachers to apply a research-based, problem-solving curriculum to teach movement to young children is pointed out through an analysis of changes projected to occur by the twenty-first century and how they will affect children's physical, cognitive, and social needs. (CB)

Proper warm-up is important for any activity, but designing an effective warm-up can be time consuming. An alternative approach is to take a cue from Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and consider movement design from the perspective of space and planes of motion. Efficient warm-up exercises using LMA are described. (SM)

The movement concept approach to teaching elementary physical education provides challenges that require children to use all their resources to respond, enhancing total development through cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. Worksheets can help teachers determine whether movement concepts are being learned and generalized to other…

Core concepts of kinesiology are the basis of communication about movement that facilitate progression of skill levels. The article defines and exemplifies each of 10 core concepts: range of motion, speed of motion, number of segments, nature of segments, balance, coordination, compactness, extension at release/contact, path of projection, and…

Several articles provide a theoretical overview of the Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and describe its application. Rudolf Laban's work has many applications relevant to dance, physical education, recreation, and movement education. LMA involves training and refining how one perceives movement. It can help educators better understand students from…