Why Motor Skills Matter I don’t know why the idea of mind and body as separate entities took hold or why it’s lasted as long as it has. But, more and more, we have evidence that this is a false notion. And while I’m delighted with all the research pointing to the body’s role in cognitive development and learning, as a children’s physical activity specialist, I feel quite strongly that the body matters, too – that physical development and physical fitness deserve equal respect and attention!

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Fitting Physical Fitness into the Day Should the physical fitness of young children be the concern of early childhood professionals? Or is it a matter for the family, and the family alone, to worry about? Given the alarming facts surrounding the childhood obesity crisis, the state of children's fitness is clearly the responsibility of all who are involved with children.

The Link Between Recess & Academics You may have heard that recess takes time away from academics. Myth or reality? Let's take a look...

Movement Madness: Keeping Kids Off the Walls! Many teachers and caregivers hesitate to make movement part of their programs, because when they think of children and movement at the same time, they immediately form a mental image of children "bouncing off the walls." This is certainly a realistic concern.  Movement activities can generate a lot of energy, and unless the instructor has some idea of what to expect and how to deal with all that potential energy, the "walls" will certainly see much action.
 
Managing movement activities with children must be handled with special care. The good news is that ...

Evaluating a Preschool  As a parent, the preschool you choose should be one that respects children’s intellectual, social/emotional, and physical needs. This describes a traditional, play-based preschool, as opposed to the academic-oriented education being touted – and sought after – in today’s superkid climate. Obviously, then, when you visit your child’s preschool, the word play should loom large at the top of your checklist.

How do you know what kind of play to look for? Among other things, a preschool in which play is a priority will include housekeeping, dress-up, and other dramatic-play centers that allow children to learn about themselves and the world around them. It will include ...

Leap into Learning: Science in Early Childhood The word science may bring to mind men and women in lab coats, working with beakers, burners, and microscopes. It may prompt memories of concepts learned in chemistry, psychics, or biology classes, or bring to mind such topics as botany or astronomy. But that clearly is an adult perception of science. And if that’s your only perception of science, you might wonder – rightly – what place the subject has in early childhood. Science for young children, however, is not about concoctions in test tubes. It doesn’t involve technical terms and scientific formulas. Rather, because science is about exploration, discovery, investigation, and problem solving, it can be said that every young child is a scientist...

Hop, Skip, and Jump into the Future Once upon a time, children were almost never indoors, preferring to play outside; nor were they ever still for long. They skipped and galloped, climbed trees, jumped rope, played hopscotch, and rode their bicycles for blocks. They ran screaming through each other’s yards and even down the middle of the streets. They played touch football, hide-and-seek, and tag. They raced each other to the slide and swings, chased butterflies, and got filthy rolling around on the ground. It’s no wonder no one ever worried about them getting enough exercise!

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 A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity, & Free Time Create a Successful Child
In this guide, Rae Pica explains how the best head start we can give our children is literally A Running Start. New research shows it's the free time spent interacting with the real world -- exploring the outdoors, playing tag at recess, and inventing games -- that helps boost creativity, confidence, and resourceful problem-solving skills. In fact, at young ages, highly competitive activities can actually interfere with kids' natural development. And when it comes to academics, starting earlier is not better.

     Practical throughout, A Running Start offers techniques for raising a child with the right balance of free play and structured activity. With more than 50 "Play & Learn" ideas to nurture a child's unique personality, A Running Start is a guide for every parent who wants to help her or his child succeed naturally -- with less stress, more fun.

"I absolutely LOVED your book--this message is so very important. There have been a couple of other books on the subject, but yours was better researched and covered the topic more fully and clearly!"

Shelley Butler

Field Guide to Parenting

"Your book reassured me that it is OK for me to let [my daughter] be a kid and not give into the super kid’s mentality many parents have.   THANK YOU!!!!"

Melissa Warner

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Transition Activities that Promote Fitness

More Tips for Keeping Kids Off the Walls!

More Circle Games Circles bring about a sense of community -- of belonging -- that no other formation offers. Whether the children are holding hands or simply sitting side by side, the circle is a symbol of togetherness. Use these activities to create community at the beginning of the school year!

Science in Early Childhood Try these fun activities excerpted from Jump into Science!

Tips to Get Your Family Moving In the past, physical activity was a naturally occurring part of the day. Today it's more likely that we have to plan for it. Here are tips to ensure your children are physically active.

Meaningful Mathematics These activities are excerpted from Jump into Math.

Making Tummy Time Fun Time...even for babies who prefer not to be facedown!

Relax! Suggestions for promoting relaxation. Because it's important for adults, too, don't just encourage children to do these exercises; whenever possible, relax along with them!