There is no unique definition of circus pedagogy; however, "scholars agree that such a discipline could provide a valid alternative to learn and deepen various mobility contents". This article aims to provide strategies for implementing an elementary physical education Circus Unit. An overview of how to design three basic routines of a…

Surfing has a great educational potential. This paper shows Physical Education (PE) teachers how to introduce surfing in their lessons although they are far from the coast and the waves. Our intention is to show its implementation through several stages that will progressively bring students closer to practicing surfing. For that purpose, we…

The purpose of this article is two fold including how to use functional movement exercises as part of a warm-up routine and how to embed functional fitness movements into youth sport practice sessions.

Taking weight on hands is an important skill that should be taught in physical education. Many teachers shy away from integrating such gymnastics-based skills into the curriculum. This could be for a variety of reasons such as limited knowledge of the content, lack of equipment, students' perceived interest, and fear of injury. The information in…

Want an innovative way to get young children moving--and support development across multiple domains? Discover CHAMPPS, the fun, effective, and research-based motor program for inclusive preschool classrooms. Filling the need for a school-based motor program designed for children with diverse abilities, CHAMPPS uses universal design for learning…

This article provides coaches with a guide for using technology and imagery to improve athletes' sport performance of closed motor skills. During the associative phase of skill learning, when young athletes are still learning to refine their technique, it can be difficult for coaches to change athletes' movements and develop their sport skills.…

Although physical educators may differ on teaching philosophy, individual style or specific drills chosen for instruction, each practitioner should strive to utilize evidence-based practices that have been tested in research whenever possible to facilitate student learning. One area that is important for practitioners to consider is that of motor…

Recent findings from the Kids Activity and Learning Study complement North Carolina's multidimensional approach to promoting school readiness by emphasizing the integrated nature of motor and cognitive development in early childhood. Children whose motor skills improved the most over the course of an academic year also tended to demonstrate the…

Physically Literacy (PL), a term adopted by SHAPE America in 2014, has been coined the goal of physical education. The purpose of this study is to define PL and give practical applications for physical educators while also reviewing current PL assessments. PL is defined as "the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety…

This innovative manual sets out advice on fundamental movement skill acquisition (FMS) and its benefits for improving physical, verbal and social skills for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Improving FMS can help prevent long term health issues, and increase opportunities for social engagement and independence. The book explores the…

Physical educators are constantly looking for new ideas and activities that will quickly grab the interest of their students. 9 Square in the Air is a game that does just this. The game was developed as a way to integrate students who enjoy volleyball and those who like Four Square. 9 Square in the Air provides the opportunity for students to use…

In today's physical education classroom, many teachers feel starved for fresh, innovative activities to teach. This article presents team handball (TH) as one such activity. Although TH is not a new activity (it was first played toward the end of the 19th century in countries such as Denmark, Germany and Sweden), for many students in the United…

Children who become competent in a wide variety of motor skills and movement patterns are more likely to remain physically active for life. Physical education can achieve this goal by providing an extensive selection of activities and by including learning units that encourage students to increase their skill level and stay active year-round.…

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…