Number 1
August 2005
Affiliated
with the
Leonard
Gordon
Institute for
Human
Development
Through Play
of Temple
University
Brian Barrett, Ph.D.
Published Quarterly in August-November-February and May
IF YOU HAVE NOT PLAYED OR EXERCISED TODAY -- STOP! -- PUT DOWN
THE MOUSE GO OUT AND PLAY. YOU CAN VISIT THE SITE LATER.
is great
exercise
Whole Child
by
Brian Barrett
now available at
www.hkusa.com
168pp
$19.00
activity, each child's Social, Emotional, and Cognitive needs will also be met in the same activity (holistic approach). Considering the
overwhelming number of active and fit children (yes, that is what the research supports) in the United States and the equally
overwhelming numbers of unfit and under-active adults - the question - where did we go wrong must be asked. Have our physical
education and recreation programs missed the boat? How can we capitalize on the innate drive that children have to move? How
can we create lifetime movers, movers that will automatically gain health benefits through this movement? You will not find traditional
adult based exercises on this site. There are no jumping-jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, or jogging laps. What you will find are games that
are moderate to vigorous, aerobic, intermittent, and meet the unique movement needs of children (as opposed to adults). You will
also find comments on research and personal opinion that advocate for children.
The games, comments and opinions that are presented are grounded in the philosophy of Dr. Marianne Torbert, author of Follow
Me: A Handbook of Movement Activities for Children (see bottom of page for more info). Several Important game factors include: 1)
expansion - creating a greater opportunity for involvement by eliminating elimination, reducing or eliminating lines, and using
home-made equipment so that all may participate, 2) equalization - since children of the same chronological age differ greatly in skill
it is important to offer a variety of challenges that each child may choose from when playing. When children are all busy participating,
there is less focus on the mistakes of any one child (focus off failure), which tends to promote a willingness to try again. When
children are free to select the skill level best suited to their ability, there is an improved sense of self-efficacy, a sense that they can
contribute, that they belong, and they have FUN! This sense of fun and enjoyment may be the motivation that will keep children
returning to activity over and over again. Imagine what could happen if we offered this from Kindergarten through High School?
Through Play
of Temple University
developmental tool contact
www.temple.edu/leonardgordoninstitute
or email Dr. Marianne Torbert at
marianne.torbert@temple.edu
To order books (Follow Me: A Handbook of Movement Activities for
Children) contact P.L.A.Y. (Positive Learning Activities for Youth) at
playcenter@aol.com
 |  |  |  |  |
