Because sensorimotor and environmental factors have a profound effect on children's learning, every teacher should know how to weave strategies from occupational therapy (OT) into their everyday instruction. This is the guidebook K-3 teachers need to "think like an OT"--and form effective partnerships with OTs in their schools--so all students can…

Compares the Qualitative Scoring System and the Developmental Scoring Systems, both Bender-Gestalt tests, in predicting achievement on the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT). In this study, first through fourth graders (n=409) from regular elementary schools were subjected to both tests; both systems correlated significantly with school…

This study examined the effects of age, sex, and ethnic group in selected motor tasks of primary grade children. The Kirk Motor Performance Test was developed to assess running, throwing/catching, and jumping abilities and was used to assess the motor performance of children ages 5 to 9. Results of the testing are presented in tabular form. (JD)

Past studies in child development have clearly established that motor development is the basis for later, higher-order developmental processes. The motor developmental approach to learning focuses on the acquisition of skills and concepts in various academic subjects through motor activities. It is based partly on the theory that children, being…

The movement-exploration activities described in this book are designed to appeal to primary-level children's natural instinct toward imaginative play and discovery and offer opportunities to develop physical skills in a familiar environment. The discovery of the physical self involves body-part and body-surface identification, isolated movements…

This curriculum is designed primarily for use in individualized classrooms where the teacher is working with an assistant, but it has also been proven effective in traditional classrooms and in remedial situations. Program 3 focuses on a variety of gross-and fine-motor functions--basic abilities that affect the way the child physically interacts…

A study assessed whether the nature of training experiences influences development of coincident timing skills in young children, using a task involving eye-hand coordination. Researchers concluded that such training should emphasize slower speed stimuli and blocking of additional speeds which are more rapid. (Authors/PP)

This textbook on basic movement activities for children in the primary grades is divided into two sections. The first section presents methods of evaluating the physical strengths and weaknesses of individual children. The seven tests outlined and illustrated provide the teacher with the means for assessing each child's abilities and potential for…

In 1988, 59 Kindergarten students were studied to determine the effect of "shadowing" on perceptual-motor learning. Shadowing is a method whereby the use of one's shadow provides visual feedback. The method developed from observing children's natural curiosity in creating shadows. Illuminated by sunlight outdoors or overhead projectors…

The purpose of this literature review is to look at brain research and its effect on educational practice. For the last several years, educators, parents and policymakers have become increasingly interested in the potential role of positive early childhood experiences in promoting a child's emotional and intellectual well-being (Ellison, 2001).…

The ability of the Perceptual-Motor-Rating Scale to indicate changes in regular classroom performance resulting from individualized perceptual-motor training by physical education specialists was statistically analyzed. Efforts were made to identify factors, confirm their independence, optimize scoring procedures and assess reliability.…

Described is Project ADAPT (A Developmental Approach to Psychomotor Transfer), a validated program used with 808 primary grade children, some with learning difficulties, over a 3-year period to enhance academic readiness and self esteem through psychomotor training. An introductory project summary explains program objectives, the needs assessment…