A creative physical education program for young children in preschools

Shu Sing Paul WONG

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

Abstract

The early childhood period ( 3-8 year-olds ) is highly associated with fundamental movement phase of motor behaviours. It is a crucial period for subsequent learning development since this is an optimal time when young children acquire essential skills and abilities which serve as the foundation for learning. Movement is the essence of life and the course of all learning to young children. Being the center of young children’s lives and essential part of children’s total development. Movement serves as the basis for children’s psychomotor, cognitive and affective development. In preschools including nurseries and kindergartens, young children move to explore, discover, and interact with the world and its myriad parts. They can discover their body and environment; can learn vocabulary and concepts; better understand stories and feelings; work out problems, and improve communication, expression and learning. Therefore movement has become the integral part of total education program for young children in early childhood education. However, preschool education programs are relatively few concerned when compared to physical education serving school-age children mainly due to the adoption of academic-oriented education system in pre-primary education; and the insufficient provision of developmentally appropriate preschool physical education programs for preschool teachers from training institutions; as well as the lack of adequate facilities and equipment for physical plays in preschools. In order to suggest another alternative in preschool physical education practice for early childhood educators, the aims of the paper are to explore the definitions of creative and developmentally appropriate preschool physical education program; to discuss the fundamental principles in designing creative physical education program as well as the practical tips on incorporating creative element in preschool physical education program. Copyright © 2000 The Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of International Conference on Teacher Education 1999: Teaching effectiveness and teacher development in the new century
Place of PublicationHong Kong
PublisherHong Kong Institute of Education
Pages1-8
ISBN (Print)9629490382
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Citation

Wong, P. S. S. (2000). A creative physical education program for young children in preschools. In Proceedings of International Conference on Teacher Education 1999: Teaching effectiveness and teacher development in the new century [CD-ROM] (pp. 1-8). Hong Kong: Hong Kong Institute of Education.

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