Interviews were conducted with 80 California school district administrators to determine their attitudes about their elementary physical education (PE) programs. Many had plans to improve their PE programs; they believed that high quality PE could improve educational outcomes, and that lack of teacher training was a main barrier to high quality…

Teaching dance technique is insufficient to provide an education in dance. Dance programs could be improved by implementing a K-12 dance curriculum using criteria known as discipline-based arts education. A professional development course for K-6 classroom teachers which implements this approach is described. (IAH)

Learning Aids stimulate formation of mental images of concepts by increasing sensory input. This article provides a rationale for employing learning aids to help elementary children understand physical fitness concepts, and describes several activities which employ the three categories of learning aids (visual, object, event). (IAH)

Describes a class activity for students in grades one through six called "Fitness Time." This activity can be used during a fitness unit to improve elementary students' fitness levels and enhance a number of other skills related to setting goals, telling time, making estimates, and subtracting numbers. Sample student record-keeping…

Describes a framework of techniques teachers used to manage elementary physical education students and foster pupil self-control. Audiotapes and interviews resulted in development of the Physical Education Pupil Control Inventory. Facilitating self-control involved selecting tutorial control techniques, using indirect technique forms, and…

Provides six fully developed library media activities designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units in art, physical education, reading/language arts, science, and social studies. Library media skills objectives, curriculum objectives, resources, instructional roles, activity and procedures for completion, evaluation, and…

Data on the effects of physical exercise on children's physiological functions were used to develop guidelines for fitness. These guidelines address exercise prescription, alternative activities, considerations for teachers and principals, and testing. (BC)

Analyzes contributions physical education makes to child and adult health. Topics discussed are current levels of U.S. children's physical activity; status of elementary physical education programs; health-related physical activity interventions; public health analysis of elementary physical education; and public health role and goal for physical…

Provides examples of three pedagogical approaches for using play structures in elementary school physical education. The examples focus on objectives relating to health-related fitness and skill development. (GLR)

Illustrates how poetry, content material, and literacy skills can come together with examples from health class, social studies, math, lunch, English, home and careers class, physical education, science, and homeroom. Notes also poems that can be used in American history class. (SR)

Suggests simple planning and instructional strategies to improve student learning and understanding for present and long -term application. The first section discusses learner-related issues. The second section focuses on the lesson plan (the introduction, the lesson body, and the lesson closure). The third section examines other strategies for…

Describes three main factors that influence girls' perceived efficacy regarding elementary physical education: the teacher (T), the learning environment (L), and the curriculum (C). When these factors are combined in a pedagogically sound manner, girls are more likely to respond by exhibiting better perceived efficacy. The teacher's role is the…

Provides a six-lesson, upper elementary life skills curriculum that can be implemented by physical education teachers and coaches. It targets life skill development through introduction of, and practice with, intrapersonal skills in physical education classes or youth sports settings. The article highlights three of the six lessons, with the other…

Evaluated barriers to participation in physical activity by American Indian elementary school students. Data from interviews, observations, and surveys indicated that barriers at school included lack of facilities, equipment, and trained staff people for physical education. Weather conditions, safety concerns, and homework/chores were also…

The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) is a direct observation system specifically developed for use during physical education (PE; McKenzie, 1991; McKenzie, Sallis, & Nader, 1991). The purpose of this study was to validate the estimates of time spent in various physical activity intensities obtained with the paper and pencil…