An article discusses what is known about children's fitness based on numerous small-scale studies. Specifically addressed are issues of cardiovascular fitness, effects of training, participation in physical activity, and behavioral carryovers to adulthood. Six articles follow that comment on and critique the first. (Author/MT)

This article describes sensory input systems and reflexes that are critical to normal functioning and explains some commonly used techniques for evaluating neurological development. Skillful use of evaluation and intervention techniques can help neurologically developmentally delayed children reach mature performance levels. (MT)

This article describes the curricular approaches to physical education which are currently recognized and practiced at the elementary level. These approaches are categorized as either traditional or contemporary, indicated by emphasis on either activities or themes. (MT)

A recent development in elementary physical education is the use of Schema theory as a basis for teaching and understanding the acquisition of motor skills by children. This theory suggests how children learn and perform a variety of movements. (DF)

This paper stresses the importance of teaching aerobic and muscle fitness concepts as part of a health-related fitness curriculum in physical education, recommending outcomes for teaching aerobic endurance and muscle/strength endurance in kindergarten through sixth grade. It describes important learning aid materials and presents national…

Although there is little physiological evidence to suggest strength differences between prepubescent boys and girls, it is generally assumed by physical education experts and by children that such differences exist. (JN)

Both physical education and youth sport are essential for the motor development of children. Sport-specific skills should be built on a sound movement foundation. Children need to be allowed to mature and to develop to higher levels of proficiency before being thrust into a competitive environment. (JN)

The mandates of Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) as it relates to the mainstreaming of moderately retarded students in elementary physical education programs are reviewed and steps in the implementation process are outlined. (PHR)

Janis Hill, an itinerant physical education teacher in Florida, is interviewed about her job, which sometimes involves work with emotionally disturbed or learning disabled students. The importance of teaching children to work together, have fun, and play is stressed. (CJ)

Physical education can serve as a vehicle for teaching science and make student understanding of certain personal health-related science concepts meaningful. Describes activities involving the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. (DKM)

Achievement goal theory was used as a theoretical framework to identify motivational climates in second- and fourth-grade physical education classes. Findings indicated that the motivational climate was a blending of the mastery and performance approaches, with teachers providing a variety of meaningful activities, recognizing and evaluating…

Importing traditional, yet unknown, physical activities from different cultures is an exciting way to add creativity and imagination to the physical education curriculum. Explanations, accompanied by teaching hints, are given of several traditional Alaskan native games which have been successfully used with K-Six students in the Anchorage School…

American children today are fatter, less fit, and more sedentary than their 1960s counterparts. Teachers mistakenly assume that participation in a general activity program is sufficient to develop and maintain physical fitness. Health-related fitness, defined as optimal functioning of the heart, lungs, and muscles, improves with activities to…

A well-designed physical education program can offer opportunities for students to practice and improve language arts skills. This article presents approaches for collaborating with other teachers; ongoing strategies for use in the physical education classroom; integrated activities that incorporate language arts and physical education; and…