The Easy-Play Model offers a defined framework to organize games that promote an inclusive and enjoyable sport experience. The model can be implemented by participants playing sports in educational, recreational or social contexts with the goal of achieving an active lifestyle in an inclusive, cooperative and enjoyable environment. The Easy-Play…

This article deals with playthings and equipment that encourage child initiated play. Physical objects refer to concrete items within the play setting, such as balls, bats, craft supplies, playground equipment, musical instruments, and so forth. Social objects are other people, such as leaders, friends, teachers, and other participants. People are…

Provides a rationale and foundation for physical education for preschoolers. Details a developmentally appropriate approach to teaching preschoolers with and without developmental delays; offers relevant recommendations for early childhood and elementary teachers, and physical educators. Asserts that developmentally appropriate physical education…

Nine articles discuss persistent physical education practices that are not in the best interest of children, suggesting developmentally appropriate alternatives. Some topics discussed are sequence of instruction in games, developmentally appropriate dance and gymnastics, social-emotional components, and activities with questionable value. (SM)

When children are assessed as being developmentally ready for competitive game play, large group games and traditional low organizational games need to be replaced by an approach that uses small-sided games, modified equipment and playing areas, and emphasizes game tactics. Manipulating factors that affect the structure and understanding of games…

The traditional approach for teaching physical education in early elementary school has emphasized "fun" activities and many low-organized games. For very young children, ages three through about eight years of age, the curricular time that has been used for low-organized and competitive games can be substituted with more developmentally…