Low motivation to participate in traditional or team sports, apathy toward competitive environments, and a low rate of transfer of skills to lifetime activities and wellness can be barriers for student pursuits of lifelong fitness. Adding an outdoor component can be a solution for some of these problems, while still accomplishing the National…

Fitness development in physical education is most often attained via implementation of fitness training principles into school based settings. It is seldom attained via adherence to developmentally appropriate principles. The program presented in this article provides the physical educator with a method and the tools to attain both. This program…

In the public school setting, increased pressure related to academic performance standards and achievement is placed on teachers and administrators each year. As a result, physical education, particularly in elementary schools, is often significantly reduced or cut entirely from the curriculum. Teachers frequently have cited that the…

The idea of actively involving children in the learning process can be beneficial for both teacher and student on a number of levels. Allowing students in physical education class to make choices has been incorporated into elementary-age teaching successfully. As a way to invite students to become more active participants in their learning,…

Suggestions for possible homework assignments involving physical education activities and a list of simulated games manufacturers are provided. (LH)

A number of movement skills for young children, based on Ambrose Brazelton's recording, "Only Just Begun," are presented. (LH)

Suggestions for a modified indoor tennis game, for activities to develop body reference in young children, and for a drill to aid students with depth and space perception difficulties are presented. (LH)

A study of the effectiveness of Washington State University's aerobic dance program showed that participation in the program did not improve students' cardiovascular fitness. Aerobics instructors should be trained to use pulse rate and other principles of exercise physiology to make their work more effective. (PP)

This paper suggests: (1) how to increase the amount of practice that an athlete can work in during the day; and (2) ways to enhance practice for maximum performance gains. Research information about both physical and mental forms of practice are synthesized. (PP)

The development of ontogenetic movements--complex, learned skills such as throwing--is greatly influenced by socialization experiences provided by parents. Girls, as well as boys, should be given the opportunity to learn and develop these skills during preschool years. (PP)

Physical education teachers can help obese children develop effective movement patterns while encouraging an active lifestyle. Teachers should be familiar with: (1) the impact of obesity on children's physical and mental health; (2) the importance of exercise for weight control; and (3) implications for the physical education program. (PP)

In personalized physical education, the child becomes the focus, movement becomes the content for learning, and the teacher becomes the learning manager, inviter, facilitator, and guide. Teachers use humanistic, encouraging strategies that invite children to participate and build their self-concepts. (PP)

This article explains how check lists and videotapes can be used to provide feedback about students' performance in sports and physical education. The techniques described can be adapted for teaching most sports skills. Sample check lists for golf and tennis skills are included. (PP)

The sensory-motor bases of motor rehabilitation and current instructional theory about how handicapped children learn motor skills are explained. Strategies for organizing learning sessions, techniques of skill instruction, and the use of reinforcing feedback to maximize educational opportunities for handicapped children are discussed. (PP)

Classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) is a form of peer-mediated instruction that can help provide quality instruction to students with disabilities in regular physical education classes. The article describes CWPT, then discusses its general procedures and student training. Examples of CWPT in a second grade jump-rope unit are included. (SM)