This book's main objective is to help teachers and parents deal more knowledgeably and effectively with children through the medium of movement. The book has been written in such a manner that current theory, research, and practical application are merged into a workable whole. The first five chapters provide the reader with a basis of knowledge concerning the psychomotor development of young children. Chapter 1 contains an overview of the role of movement in child development. Chapter 2 deals with the growth and development of young children. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 are concerned with the contribution of movement to the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective development of children, respectively. Special attention is paid to perceptual-motor development and self-concept development in these chapters. Chapters 6 through 11 focus on activity ideas for young children. Chapter 6 deals with a variety of individualized movements experiences for enhancing fundamental movement abilities. Chapter 7 provides the reader with a limited number of traditional games found useful in enhancing fundamental locomotor and manipulative skills. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 deal with movement experiences designed to enhance rhythmic perceptual-motor and visual, tactile, and auditory abilities. Chapter 11 presents game activities designed to enhance a variety of academic concepts. The last two chapters of the book are concerned with the role of play in the lives of children, the many different forms that early childhood education takes, and the role of movement in preschool education. (SK)