There are many reasons to teach dance as part of the broader curriculum. This article focuses on using dance as a way to foster critical thinking. In this conceptual article, I draw from the National Standards goals that were in line with my own framework of dance as uniquely engaging the three different sensory systems of exteroception,…

A literate child is one who is able to read, write, speak and listen. Literacy begins at birth, and continues steadily as children develop. The explicit processes that form emergent literacy are for example, phonemic awareness, letter and word recognition, vocabulary enrichment and structural analysis. These literacy practices are well documented…

A comprehensive model for organizing different approaches used in presenting dance movements focuses on the essential content of movement for elementary school children and examines the development of dance for young children from functional movement to more artistic experiences. (JN)

This paper describes the value of movement education for all children and provides examples of various worksheets that can be used in the physical education setting to enhance various lesson themes and objectives for movement education. The use of worksheets can assist the physical educator in determining if concepts can be demonstrated in a…

This booklet explores why movement education is important for preschool children, what activities to include in a program, how and where to conduct a program, and criteria that can help to structure the program environment. The first section presents a rationale for the use of movement education for helping preschool children to develop…

This book deals with the following areas: (a) basic motor development and readiness of the young child for movement activities, (b) learning and developmental theories commonly used in early childhood education, (c) instructional approaches for using movement as a learning modality, and (d) general educational implications which can be ascertained…

The purpose of this publication is to introduce the elementary classroom teacher or physical education specialist to a creative approach to movement education which can be implemented with limited facilities, equipment and funds. The first section, concerned with organization of programs, includes recommended percentages of time per year to be…

This article explains a movement-based approach to the development of language in children with deaf-blindness. This approach uses the salient features of individuals or objects to stimulate use of language in the immediate environment, and later to refer to persons or concepts in a more abstract fashion. It stresses the use of structure and a…

An attempt was made to enhance large muscle control and balance in congenitally blind children (ages 5-to-10 years) by exposing them to a program of creative dance movement. (Author/PHR)

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…

The effects of practice on the bilateral transfer of complex dance movement patterns were studied by having subjects learn two sequences under eight different conditions. Results indicate that teachers have been correct in expecting students to transfer movements bilaterally (from one side to the other) but should teach to the nonpreferred side.…

Discuses three perspectives on literature about children classified as severely subnormal for educational purposes: perceptual motor theories, behavior modification interpretation, and Laban movement. Descriptions of each include investigations, administration, adult participants, observation schedules, teaching processes, and data gathering…

Curriculum theory is a rationale for defining purpose, selecting objectives, and determining content. Two rationales, movement analysis, and developmental stages are discussed and evaluated, in terms of their purposes, objectives, content, and teaching methods. (JN)

Use of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) "Basic Stuff" (1981) series (which includes six texts explaining each concept and three texts illustrating their use in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools) is recommended for physical education teacher preparation programs. A study was undertaken…

This guide is designed to assist the beginning teacher to develop competency in teaching movement activities in the elementary school grades. A child-centered approach is offered for teaching all areas of the program: creative movement and dance, educational gymnastics, and games and sports. Teacher experiences are sequenced by way of progressive…