Using a dynamic systems approach, examined the development of intralimb coordination over the first year of independent walking in three infants. Found that, in the first month of walking, there was much instability between the thigh and shank of the leg, but after three months infants appeared to have found an adult-like stable coordinative…

This study reports effects of a neurobehavioral intervention approach on motor skills of four children (ages 1 to 3) with cerebral palsy. Children demonstrated generalization of the movement component by using it to perform both a treated exemplar skill and an untreated exemplar skill, indicating that motor skills can be treated concurrently.…

Reviews research on the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) approach in physical education, noting that many discussions of TGfU have focused on cognitive and psychomotor learning outcomes and neglected the affective domain. An extended TGfU model is presented, suggesting new avenues for future research and practice (e.g., consideration of…

Presents a new version of the Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) model in physical education which draws on a situated learning perspective, describing the TGfU approach, reviewing recent research on TGfU, discussing constructs for conceptualizing learning in games, and outlining a situated learning perspective. This perspective is applied to…

In this study we examined early motor, vocal, and communicative development in a group of younger siblings of children diagnosed with autism (Infant Siblings). Infant Siblings and no-risk comparison later-born infants were videotaped at home with a primary caregiver each month from 5 to 14 months, with follow-up at 18 months. As a group, Infant…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of balance and bilateral coordination to the fundamental locomotor pattern of skipping in 5- and 6-year old children. Subjects were kindergarten students (N=30) who were attending an elementary school in the suburban Kansas City area. The investigators used items from the…

One novice subject's learning about the tennis serve was measured (over a 4-day period) by recording the subject's gestures and verbal remarks. This case study compared gestures, verbal remarks, skills, and form data to see which types best discriminated between days 1 to 4, and it also attempted to determine if discriminant analyses were suitable…

Research has provided inadequate scientific basis for incorporating fundamental motor skills into the curriculum. More knowledge on how children acquire motor skills is imperative. Motor development of a child is generally viewed as an inherent sequential process of motor unfolding, while skill acquisition is the process mediated through practice,…

Tested infants in their second year with a box task to determine whether they would show a hand preference in solutions involving complete differentiation of roles for the two hands. (HOD)

Handwriting is an integral part of every child's school experience. In order to provide the best program to children both with and without handwriting problems, elementary educators need to understand the factors underlying the skill of handwriting. This study investigated the relationship between the cognitive understanding of locatives (e.g.,…

Sixty six-to eight-year-olds with below-average scores on three balance tests received active, passive or no vestibular stimulation over a five-week period. Balance scores improved for all groups on one or more tests. Improvement could not be related to vestibular stimulation. (Author/RD)

This article discusses the critical developmental factors in the modeling of motor skills and suggests practical implications for teachers of young children. Major factors for successful modeling involve the students' cognitive-developmental level and the students' motivational orientation. CJ)

Findings support the use of learning modules and learner strategies in the learning and remembering of complex gross motor skills. Strategy usage may have a positive effect on motor skill acquisition but not necessarily on retention. (CJ)

A sample adapted physical education program designed for a specific student's needs is described. (JMF)

Dance has the potential to create a free and open environment for both personal growth and skill acquisition; it serves to develop kinesthetic acuity, teach competencies with direct transfer to sport, and enhance the self-concepts of the children in the program. (JMF)