This study aims to present an integrative review of research on the models used for identification and development of sports talent. It has two purposes: (1) to systematically analyze the models followed to identify and develop sports talent in the period of 2012-2021 and (2) to determine the model that is mostly followed in sports talent…

Aquatic plyometric drills for children offer a promising avenue for promoting physical fitness and skill development. By following the guidelines recommended in this article, physical educators and coaches can ensure safe and effective implementation of these drills.

Background: This study assessed the effects of the "Jump-in" whole-school intervention in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on children's weight development by comparing children exposed to the intervention and controls from 3 other large Dutch cities. Jump-in is a comprehensive intervention that aims to stimulate healthy nutrition and…

The authors examined technological and traditional infant toys to understand the U.S. toy market facing today's care givers. They found significant differences in the two types of toys in terms of their developmental targets--with more traditional toys aimed at physical development and more technological toys aimed at cognitive development. Given…

Prior research has clearly established the substantial expected payoffs to investments in early childhood education. However, the ability to deliver early childhood programs differs across communities with access to high quality programing especially hard to establish in rural communities. We study one program, Early Steps to School Success, to…

The early years of childhood development are a significant time for the acquisition and application of skills that foster motor development, cognitive understanding, and social well-being. However, there are gaps in knowledge of and practical skills for developing physical literacy within early childhood educator preparation programs. This article…

Research Findings: Early digital experience (e.g. screen time and digital use) is believed to impact children's brain development, functionally and structurally, but this impact has not been systematically reviewed. In this scoping review, we synthesized and evaluated 33 collected studies on children's digital use (ages 0-12) and their associated…

The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching effects on school-going children. With the indefinite closure of schools in many parts of the world, many children found themselves with limited avenues for play and interaction. The current qualitative study, anchored on social capital theory, aimed at investigating the informal learning that took place as…

This article is a compilation of advice for young athletes. This guidance is based on years of research by experts in sports medicine, and strength and conditioning, as well as Olympic and NCAA professionals. By studying athletes who compete at advanced levels, experts can better identify what it takes to become a successful athlete. Since there…

The Montessori philosophy and environment offers opportunities for free movement within the classroom. Physical development includes the acquisition of fundamental movement skills (FMS) which children acquire through different opportunities for movement. Previous research has shown that Montessorian pre-schoolers were more physically active during…

Purpose: The aim of this article is two-fold. First, it offers a unique account of "San Min," the prototype of the current Chinese educational principle proposed by Yan Fu (1854-1921) that aimed at improving people's physical, intellectual and moral capacities. This system of educational thinking has received only marginal attention in…

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of therapeutic play training on physical health in 10-12 year old children with back muscle weakness. Experimental research model was used in the study. According to the results of the Functional Movement Screening test, 16 children (8 Study, 8 Control) with back muscle weakness were included in…

Gender differences in early childhood development are under-researched in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where almost 90% of the world's young children live. This study examines the direction, magnitude, and variation of gender similarities and differences in 3- and 4-year-olds' early childhood development in 71 low- and middle-income…

School leadership models emphasize the importance of leadership devoting time to the creation of a shared school mission, as a strategy for school effectiveness. This paper focuses on teachers' and parents' perceptions of the desired and practised school mission, considering the following dimensions: i) scientific and technological; ii) civic;…

Research Findings: Kindergarten is the gateway to education and a point of great variability in children's knowledge and skills. As a result, there is keen interest in kindergarten entry assessments (KEAs) to understand and address gaps in early skills. This study rigorously investigated the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Kindergarten Entry…