Golf develops physical skills, provides opportunities for recreation and socialization, and is a lifelong physical activity -- making it a worthwhile addition to any physical education curriculum. This article provides information on how a three-day golf unit can be implemented with students in grades 2 and 3.

Studies have found that movement can have a positive effect on the linguistic and intellectual capabilities of the brain, proving that physical fitness is related to academic performance. By allowing elementary students to move around and be involved in physical activity at school, the brain is able to make stronger connections with the material…

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,…

The basic movement concepts associated with falling and rolling are needed for many dynamic adult activities. This is the case any time the activity, either by intent or accident, involves safely transitioning from a standing position to the ground quickly. Failure to teach these skills in school physical education could result in a barrier to…

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often experience difficulties with motor skill learning and performance. The pool is a unique learning environment that can help children with ASDs learn or improve aquatic skills, fitness, and social skills. A pool-based approach is also aligned with the elements of dynamic systems theory, which…

Activities to help children develop the concept of right-left awareness are presented. Activities touch on lateral awareness (distinguishing between their right and left sides and labeling them) and directionality (using the language of left and right according to someone else's orientation). (CL)

Presents a series of warm-up stretching exercises for student actors to do in a seated position. (SG)

In an earlier issue of "TEPE" (January, 2005) the "Research to Practice" column examined the effects of a developmental curriculum on elementary-aged children's performance. Pappa, Evanggelinou, and Karabourniotis (2005) found support for a line of research suggesting that curricular programming should place a specific focus on development of…

Rudolph Laban's theories of movement can be adapted to various skill development activities for elementary school children. (LH)

Explains the biomechanical principles that underpin the effective performance of the high/low recovery and sculling support strokes used in kayaking. Provides paddlers with some explanation of the actions that they intuitively make. Gives justification for the teaching points used in teaching these techniques. (KS)

The author explores elements of copying written work in sequential order; and offers specific techniques for developing copying skills, particularly in primary grade students experiencing copying problems. (SW)

Motoric factors that should be considered in selecting signs to teach severely handicapped learners are reviewed and discussed. They are grouped into three categories: prehension movement patterns, unilateral/bilateral movement patterns, and combinations of successive actions, with a fourth set included of less objectively definable factors…

This article describes how application of the generalized motor program, conceptualized by Schmidt, can yield consistent and effective results when teaching students the golf swing. Specific teaching suggestions are given and a brief discussion of the applicability of this program to tennis and swimming is included. (JAH)

Reviews traditional approaches to teaching motor skills and introduces the concept of stimulus cuing, a model of attentional focus, and the importance of attentional shifting, also discussing factors that interfere with a performer's ability to focus attention and making suggestions regarding how to use attentional focusing as an effective…

Describes how to teach rock climbing to elementary school students using balance dome cones, which are small, cylindrical- shaped cones that are rounded at the top, seven inches in diameter, and four inches high. Students step on the cones as they explore and discover their balance limits in various unnatural movement positions. Individual and…