In this article, the author discusses two strategies--visual cues (modeling) and verbal cues (short, accurate phrases) which are related to teaching motor skills in maximizing learning in physical education classes. Both visual and verbal cues are strong influences in facilitating and promoting day-to-day learning. Both strategies reinforce memory as it relates to a specific skill. A significant body of research addresses students' cognitive development and the characteristics that affect motor development. It is important for physical educators to understand the variables, particularly in relation to students' selective attention to task and ability to strengthen retention. Therefore, the focus of this article is to discuss how visual and verbal cues may be used to optimize learning, and how to take into consideration, children's development when using these strategies. This article concludes that the use of visual and verbal cues in school and sport settings is important to the learning process. Researchers acknowledge this and have made contributions to better understand the principles that underlie these techniques. Developmental factors affect a student's ability to process visual and verbal cues. Thus, physical educators should understand these factors and provide appropriate modeling and verbal cues to elicit learning. Knowing the variables in visual and verbal cues that effect skill improvement is fundamental to effective teaching and coaching. Careful attention should be paid to using cues that are technically correct, as they will affect the outcome of a student's performance.