NO MORE "DUCK, DUCK GOOSE!"
EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERTS AGREE
MOVEMENT PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE
IN CHILD’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
RESTON, VA, October 27, 2000 — The unique role of movement in learning for young children, ages 3-5, and teaching children the joy and value of being physically active, is the topic of a new publication by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). Written by NASPE’s Council on Physical Education for Children, the new document, Appropriate Practices in Movement Programs for Young Children Ages 3-5, discusses the integration of movement programs and play, an adequate and safe environment, use of games, class size, and the promotion of success for all children
"The importance and value of movement is being recognized as never before," said NASPE Executive Director Judith C. Young, Ph.D. "Early childhood educators have become increasingly aware that movement plays an important role in the future development of a young child. It is COPEC’s belief that the appropriate approach for this age group is to focus on basic motor skills, explanation, and the joy of moving to assist the child’s motor, cognitive, emotional and social development."
Teachers, parents, day-care providers, school administrators, policy makers, and others who are responsible for educational programs for 3- to 5- year olds can use the guidelines in this document to implement "best practices" for initiating and reinforcing safe, healthy physical activity opportunities for children. They can also use the guidelines to recognize and eliminate those practices that can be harmful. If you are involved in the education of young children, this is a document your program must have.
For instance, "Duck, Duck Goose" is considered inappropriate because it is primarily a sedentary game and rules call for the elimination of children with no chance to re-enter the activity. Children should be involved in activities such as throwing at targets, bouncing balls, climbing, running, jumping, galloping to music that allow all to be active. Teacher feedback and encouragement are also critical to providing young children with age-appropriate individualized instruction. Teachers must provide regular feedback to all children. This requires teacher-student ratios of no more than one teacher to three to five children. Another important factor is that there should be no formal fitness exercises but a variety of activities that focus on exploration.
To order a copy of Appropriate Practices in Movement Programs for Young Children Ages 3-5, call 1-800-321-0789. The cost is $7 plus shipping and handling. Stock No. 304-10232.
Information about the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) can be found on the Internet at www.aahperd.org, the web site of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). NASPE is the largest of AAHPERD’s six national associations. A nonprofit membership organization of over 25,000 professionals in the fitness and physical activity fields, NASPE is the only national association dedicated to strengthening basic knowledge about sport and physical education among professionals and the general public. Putting that knowledge into action in schools and communities across the nation is critical to improved academic performance, social reform and the health of individuals.
For more information, contact:
Paula Keyes Kun (703) 476-3461; pkun@aahperd.org
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
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(Information provided courtesy of www.pelinks4u.org)