Physical educators have the opportunity and responsibility to create situations that will enhance the character development of their students. This paper examines theories of character development, then describes character development in elementary school physical education, in summer physical education settings, and among at-risk populations.…

Structured academic controversy is a cooperative learning strategy that can promote learning in theoretical physical education classes at the college level. This article explains how to conduct structured academic controversy, providing examples of topics (e.g., adapted physical education, biomechanics, motor development, and sport psychology).…

The topic of this book is movement education. The book encourages children to explore and use such basic movements as walking, running, jumping, hopping, bending, and stretching. The children are asked to do the various movements in as many ways as possible. Poems about jumping, hopping, and dancing are included to encourage the children to move…

A skill-testing program, similar to the scoring system used in competitive gymnastics, is described for use in elementary physical education classes. (MM)

A combination of traditional and movement exploration teaching methods may be most beneficial in teaching physical education activities to elementary school children, the choice of method depending on the type of activity to be taught, the facilities and equipment available, and the expertise of the teacher in the two methods. (MB)

A critical element of quality physical education programs is an image of quality, where quality is defined in terms of student achievement of the stated goals of the program, whatever they are. This concept is explained. (MT)

The purpose of this study was to establish tentative reliability estimates for movement control and force production tasks as the initial phase of a cross-cultural motor-performance study. Ten boys and ten girls for each of seven age groups (ages four through ten) performed four specific tasks. Results are discussed. (MT)

This study attempted to determine the effects of running training, instruction on running techniques, or a combination of instruction and training on the running economy of 10-year-old children. No significant alterations in running economy or technique were produced as a result of the various regimens. (Author/MT)

Drawing upon stages of motor development and elements of biomechanics, the authors used anatomical planes as a frame of reference to determine movement patterns and assess readiness to perform movement skills. The combination of determining readiness and analyzing skill enables the teacher to plan proper motor skill activities. (MT)

The article describes a practical symbol system that facilitates physical education instruction for hearing impaired students. The movement capabilities of the hearing impaired are pointed out, the movement exploration technique (which uses a problem-solving approach to individualize instruction for elementary school children) is briefly…

Descriptions of three games appropriate for elementary school and handicapped children in physical education are provided. (JMF)

A school playground has facilities to support the physical education program as well as the classroom recess activities. Through use of a simulated village, students gain first-hand experience with traffic conditions. (Author/MLF)

Discusses specific strategies that elementary school teachers can use to design positive assessment experiences that will motivate their students. Strategies and recommendations are grounded in goal-orientation and cognitive-evaluation theory. The paper focuses on meaningfulness of activities, student improvement, student optimism and confidence,…

This article describes successful efforts by physical education teachers at Elberton Elementary School (GA) to construct an affordable pull-up board that could be used to help improve students' arm and upper body strength. An explanation is given of how to use the machine, and the benefits to students are briefly discussed. (IAH)

Explains minivolleyball to physical education teachers. Minivolleyball adapts the game and environment of volleyball to the physical capabilities of young players; it offers physical education students the chance to have fun while using the proper game skills, concepts, and strategies. (SM)