Perceptions of the Role Physical Activity Plays in Early Childhood Education
Perceptions of the Role Physical Activity Plays in Early Childhood Education

Author: Martha Swirzinski

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 156

ISBN-13:

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The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to describe the perceptions early childhood educators who intentionally implement physical activity into their class day in Eastern Virginia have with regards to using physical activity with preschoolers ages three to five. The theory guiding this study was the social constructivist theory by Lev Vygotsky (1978) which maintains that each individual has a different perspective about any given experience based on their prior experiences and all experiences build upon themselves to create knowledge. The constructivist theory suggests learners must interact with their environments to gain new knowledge (Ogunnaike, 2015). The basic research question focused on the perceptions that selected educators have on the role physical activity plays in the preschool classroom. Data was collected through observations, semi-structured interviews, and review of documents. Data analysis strategies included detailed descriptions of the cases, analysis of each case for themes and then cross case analysis for common themes or differences. Data analysis generated key themes, which include: expending energy, cognitive and physical development, professional development, experience with physical activity, facility/director support and required physical activity. The study ended with assertions to provide interpretation of the data as well as recommendations for future research.

Educating the Student Body
Educating the Student Body

Author: Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2013-11-13

Total Pages: 503

ISBN-13: 0309283140

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Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners
Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners

Author: Gil-Madrona, Pedro

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2021-04-02

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 1799875873

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In early childhood education, children find in their own body and movement the main way to get in touch with the reality that surrounds them and, therefore, acquire knowledge about the environment in which they grow and develop. Undoubtedly, the progressive discovery of the body itself as a source of feelings and sensations, as well as exploring the different possibilities of action and bodily functions, constitutes necessary experiences on which children's thinking is built. Furthermore, the affective relationships established in psychomotor education situations, and particularly through play, are essential for the emotional development of children. Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners offers globalized educational practices, didactic approaches, and proposals for intervention around motor development in the children ages 0-6 years. The book specifically explores laterality, coordination, relaxation, rhythm, etc. and how these are achieved through games, music, and motor stories. This book is ideal for early childhood educators, physical education teachers, administrators, daycares, preschools, early childhood learning centers, researchers, academicians, and students interested in physical education’s role in early child development.

Play, Physical Activity and Public Health
Play, Physical Activity and Public Health

Author: Stephanie A. Alexander

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-07-11

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 1351971697

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Are children playing less than they used to? Are rising obesity rates linked to a decline in children’s time to play freely? These and other related questions have filled the pages of newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals for the past decade. Researchers and journalists have attributed these issues to societal changes around children’s lives and leisure, the growth of structured and organised activities and increasing perceptions of risk in children’s play. Play, Physical Activity and Public Health presents a discussion of the way modern notions of play are rendering children’s leisure activities less free and less engaged in simply for fun. Based on original qualitative research, and analysis of contemporary media from Canada and elsewhere, this book argues that the growing health concerns around childhood play entail a paradox: by advocating, promoting, discussing, and re-directing children’s play, a new form of children’s leisure is emerging - one that is purpose-driven, instrumentalised for health, and ultimately, less free. We explore how play has become goal-oriented, a means to health ends, and how the management of pleasure in play as well as diverse risk discourses around play continue to limit and constrain possibilities for children and families to play and engage in leisure freely. Incorporating past critiques of this trend in play, we argue for research and practice to create new possibilities and ways of thinking about children's play, leisure, fun and childhood, that are less constrained and managed, and importantly less geared towards health goals. This is a valuable resource for students of the sociology of sport, kinesiology, sports and health psychology, education, public health, and childhood studies. It is also an important read for school teachers, public health practitioners, psychologists, physical education teachers, academics and parents interested in how children’s leisure lives are being shaped by the growing and diverse discussions around play.

Movement Environment Rating Scale (MOVERS) for 2-6-year-olds Provision
Movement Environment Rating Scale (MOVERS) for 2-6-year-olds Provision

Author: Carol Archer

Publisher: Trentham Books Limited

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781858567990

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The book presents a new method of measuring the quality of environment and pedagogy in which young children are encouraged to move and be physically active. It applies the methodology used in the ECERS-E and SSTEW rating scales, making it easy for educators already familiar with these well-established scales to adopt.

Active Start
Active Start

Author: SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators

Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780883149461

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"Active start: a statement of physical activity guidelines for children from birth to five years"--Title from cover.

Physical Education Program Perceptions of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Physical Education Program Perceptions of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments

Author: Joseph Schmid

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 178

ISBN-13:

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Obesity rates for children with disabilities are 38% higher than for children without disabilities. Students with visual impairments (VI) are more sedentary than their typically developing peers. Physical education (PE) plays a major role in physical development and physical activity levels. Within special education programs, parents play a significant role. They purpose of this study was to examine perceptions of parents of children with VI regarding their child's physical education program. The study explored parent satisfaction with PE, parental evaluation of physical and emotional safety in PE, and level of knowledge regarding PE on their child's IEP. Results revealed that many students did not have sufficient information about PE on their IEP; in fact many did not have it at all. Results further revealed that when asked about specific PE content areas, parent's valued health-related fitness over sport-specific skills and individual sports for thier child. Parent's overall satisfaction with their child's PE program varied from 25% saying they were "extremely unsatisfied" to 30% saying they were "extremely satisfied". Emotional/social skill development were also of meaningful value parents.

Toddlers Moving and Learning
Toddlers Moving and Learning

Author: Rae Pica

Publisher: Redleaf Press

Published: 2014-03-17

Total Pages: 143

ISBN-13: 1605542709

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More than 50 movement activities for toddlers Physical education is a critical part of every early childhood curriculum. Children need to move to channel their energies in creative, beneficial ways and to learn habits for lifelong health and fitness. Toddlers Moving & Learning provides more than 50 developmentally appropriate activities that contribute to a well-rounded curriculum in any classroom or program. The book contains An updated introduction reflecting new research and trends in early childhood health and fitness and information on how movement benefits children’s learning and development Fourteen lesson plans, each with one body parts activity, one nonlocomotor activity, one locomotor skill experience, and one activity exploring an element of movement, for a total of 56 activities Extension ideas and adaptations to use with children who have special needs Curriculum connections for each activity and explanations about how activities are aligned with and meet early learning standards from NAEYC and AAHPERD Original music to add joy and energy to the activities

Promoting Physical Development and Activity in Early Childhood
Promoting Physical Development and Activity in Early Childhood

Author: Jackie Musgrave

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2024-04-11

Total Pages: 96

ISBN-13: 1040000525

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Getting young children active and supporting their physical development right from the start is essential for children’s all-round development and good health. However, children’s levels of physical activity are declining. This book helps readers increase their understanding to support young children’s overall development, health, and wellbeing. Breaking current physical activity guidelines into bite-size chunks, the book provides key advice on caring for and educating babies and young children on how to meet the recommended amount of physical activity each day. Current research is accessibly explored, including links with screen time and neuroscience, and informs a range of flexible, open-ended activities and practical strategies to use in every early years setting. Chapters include: Suggestions on planning an enabling environment to support young children’s physical development without expensive equipment or classes. Steps for making physical activity inclusive for all children, including those with special educational needs and physical conditions. Key research translated into easy-to-understand, informative guidance. The voice of the child and the importance of listening to children woven throughout. Opportunities for readers to assess how their own setting supports physical activity. The importance of early physical development to communication and future academic performance. Grounded in best practice for supporting physical development in the early years and working with parents, this book is essential reading for trainee and practising early years educators, as well as parents and carers of young children.

Physical Activity and Health Promotion in the Early Years
Physical Activity and Health Promotion in the Early Years

Author: Hannah Brewer

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-06-19

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 3319760068

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This book focuses on improving well-being among young children. It provides a theoretical base explaining why physical activity is important, and offers practical strategies for increasing health and well-being in early childhood settings. It takes ancient wisdom on the mind and body connection, applies it to the youngest children, and supports it with current empirical and international evidence—all with an eye toward improving wellness across the lifespan. The many topics discussed in the book include children’s motor skills, movement, interaction, physical literacy, the use of video games, dog ownership, developmental delays, as well as strategies to improve physical activities in the classroom and broader contexts. In recent years, children’s health has become a priority worldwide. Topics such as “screen time” “sedentary behavior” and “childhood obesity” have become important issues everywhere- in the news, in schools, in community and commercials settings, and among health care providers. Limiting sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a nutritious diet are three fundamental needs during early childhood. Preschool years are a time when children begin to explore the world around them, and develop more vivid understandings of their surroundings. As this book shows, the early years may be the best time to teach wellness concepts and assist young children in establishing healthy lifestyle habits.