The traditional kindergarten program often reflected a rich but generic approach with creative contexts for typical kindergartners organized around materials (manipulatives or dramatic play) or a developmental area (fine motor or language). The purpose of kindergarten reflected beliefs about how children learn, specialized training for…

Argues that the use of pictures as a teaching and learning strategy benefits early learners with regard to reference image development and provides helpful information to a student who may be separated from teacher feedback. (KEH)

This document consists of four papers on the acquisition of writing skills by young children. The first paper provides a historical and developmental perspective on early writing. Children's development of manual dexterity is briefly overviewed and aspects of the educational approaches of Pestalozzi, Montessori, Chomsky, Rogers and Ashton-Warner…

The Orff Schulwerk Approach is an ordered framework in which children create speech, movement, and music as part of their daily learning processes. The approach entails movement training and movement forms, improvisation, dance, and music and language play. (JN)

Relevant orientation and mobility (OM) skills for visually impaired infants foster sensory, motor, and conceptual development. OM personnel need to consider alternative teaching models, personnel preparation needs, sensory aids issues, and research issues. (DB)

Notes that aesthetic movement is a thoughtful expression of some of the child's deepest intellectual intentions. Presents practical classroom activities for preschool settings that offer children opportunities to engage in aesthetic movement that will develop their intelligences, connections across various "knowledge domains," ability to…

The concept of mind-body integration is applied to motor learning through the use of a problem-solving approach. Emphasis is on the inherent unity of cognitive and motor ability. Suggestions are given for learning exercises designed to encourage the total mental and physical growth of elementary and secondary school children. The material may also…

Currently, little is known about knowledge and cognitive skills that underlie expertise in learning, performance, and instruction of sport and physical activity. The paper makes research suggestions, encouraging the exploration of expertise and the translation of research about expert knowledge and cognitive and motor skills to the design of…

This article comments on recommendations for physical education in the British National Curriculum as they pertain to children with special educational needs. It considers arguments for physical education; motor development of the child; principles of physical education for this population (entitlement, access, integration, integrity); teaching…