Through movement, children learn to orient themselves in space, defining for themselves such conceptions as up and down, right and left, through, around and inside; the integration of motor and sensory experiences may well be the foundation upon which complex cognitive skills are built. (JD)

Assessment of the oral and speech motor abilities of normally developing two- through six-year-olds (N=90) revealed no developmental change of the structural integrity of the vocal tract although evaluations of oral and speech motor functioning changed significantly with age. (Author/CB)

Two studies involving stereotypic hand gazing revealed that: (1) a dramatically increased therapy program substantially reduced a 35.4 month-old boy's hand gazing and augmented his toy manipulation skills; and (2) both glasses and toys effectively reduced hand gazing by two visually impaired 30.3 and 17.9 month-old children. (Author/CB)

Comparison of attitudes and practices among fathers of young gifted children (N=9) and fathers of young nongifted children (N=10) revealed differences in six thematic areas: general involvement; reading emphasis; oral language emphasis; psychomotor emphasis; concern for the child's self-esteem; and push for independence. (Author/CB)

Discusses major issues related to youth sport including definition of terms, development of motor skills, and relationship of physical activity to other aspects of development and to sex roles. Practical suggestions for the classroom teacher are presented to help them prepare children for an active and healthy life. (AS)

Investigated effects of changing the level of motor planning demands in simple drawing tasks for which children aged 5-11 years completed or copied squares and diamonds. Results were consistent with previous studies. Low planning demands resulted in less difference between square and diamond performance than did tasks demanding higher planning.…

Ways in which creative dialogue fosters the development of creativity through expressive language and motor movements are described. Procedures are outlined for generating creative dialogue with children ages 3-5 through the observation component (observing, interviewing, transcribing), and with children ages 6-8 through the language development…

Lists 12 parallel skills in drawing and writing, including the fact that drawing can reproduce aesthetic forms while writing can copy letters and letter groups. (DF)

The relationship between chronological age, social age, motor, sensory and concept skills, and the orientation and mobility skills of 37 mentally retarded visually impaired children was examined. Results revealed a strong relationship between developmental level in the areas of motor, sensory, and concept skills, and mobility proficiency.…

Recognition of the importance of cognitive processes and appropriate learner strategies for achievement in psychomotor tasks is emphasized. A task analysis procedure is proposed to assist in determining strategies for learning. (MT)

A 10-day aquatics program for learning disabled children with hand-eye coordination problems and low self-esteem is described. Activities for each session (including relaxation exercises) are listed. (CL)

Explains why simulation is a particularly useful teaching device in areas in which it is important to tie together cognitive skills and motor skills into total performance. Discusses the many forms simulation can take in soft skills training and how simulations can shape perspectives. (CT)

Application of the schema theory may assist physical educators in the instruction of motor skills. This article discusses and applies the use of feedback and practice activity variation as methods of facilitating motor schema development. (DF)

Initiating change in preschool and elementary schools could enhance childrens' present physical fitness and help them understand and achieve physical fitness in adulthood. Mastering motor skills and locomotor patterns in early childhood is important to future physical development. A new direction for physical activity programs is offered. (DF)

The article considers how three types of language skills (receptive, functional expressive, and descriptive expressive) can be integrated into typical gross and fine motor activities for language delayed preschoolers. (Author/CL)