Movement-Based Learning: Academic Concepts and Physical Activity for Ages Three through Eight

This book was written for everyone who wants to provide age-appropriate movement activities for preschool and early elementary age children. Physical education teachers, classroom teachers, daycare specialists, and before and after school activity directors now have a resource that can help them provide the nationally recommended 60 minutes per day of “structured” physical activity.

Over 100 lesson plans, presented in an easy-to-use format, will expand children’s movement knowledge and abilities while using basic academic concepts. Teachers will appreciate the new and innovative approaches to reinforce learning standards. The activities are non-competitive and most address the all-too-common problem of limited space and resources, because they do not require equipment or a special setting.

Readers will develop an understanding of the basic foundation of movement-based learning and the key components of the imitative and movement exploration approaches to teaching basic movement skills and concepts. Readers will find it very easy to use these two approaches by following the practical examples and implementation strategies that are provided in the book.

The lesson plans in each chapter focus on age-appropriate academic concepts that children are learning in the classroom and include activities that progress from simple to more complex physical challenges. Each simplified lesson plan identifies the national physical education standard(s) emphasized, primary learning objective, any materials needed, individual or partner activities, whole-group activities, and creative closure questions.

• Chapter Two presents movement activities that focus on language arts skills the alphabet, rhyming, shapes, and expressing stories through movement.

• Chapter Three focuses on increasing children’s understanding of their body, the importance of eating healthy foods, and the need for daily physical activity.

• Chapter Four focuses on community awareness. Activities explore community settings, the role of different people and workers in the community, as well as the celebration of major holidays.

• The activities in Chapter Five will help children develop basic environmental awareness while acquiring an appreciation for living creatures.

The authors devote an entire chapter to assessment, including sample rubrics and a teacher self-assessment form. They also present ideas to motivate children to assess their own involvement and enjoyment of the activity.