Toc: Title Contents PART ONE Introduction and Content Overview 1 The Value and Purpose of Physical Education for Children Why Children Need Physical Education Health Benefi ts Associated with a Lifetime of Physical Activity Characteristics of a Quality Physical Education Program Summary Reading Comprehension Questions References/Suggested Readings CHAPTER The Skill Theme Approach What Is Developmentally Appropriate Physical Education? Children Develop at Different Rates Age Does Not Predict Motor Ability Children Develop Motor Skills Naturally through Play The Myth of the Natural Athlete Difference in Physical Abilities between Boys and Girls Why Don’t You Describe Such Activities as Duck, Duck, Goose and Kick Ball? What Are Skill Themes? What Is the Curriculum Diamond? Building a Foundation (Preschool through Grade 5) Exploring Possibilities (Grades 6–8) Developing Expertise (Grades 9 –12) What Are the Characteristics of the Skill Theme Approach? Characteristic 1 Characteristic 2 Characteristic 3 Characteristic 4 Is It Diffi cult to Maintain Youngsters’ Interest in a Program That Emphasizes the Fundamentals? What Does “Adjusting the Activities” Mean? Where Is Physical Fitness in the Skill Theme Approach? Where Does the Cognitive Domain Fit into the Skill Theme Approach? Where Does the Affective Domain Fit into the Skill Theme Approach? What about Dance and Gymnastics? How Do Classroom Teachers Feel about the Skill Theme Approach? How Do Middle (Junior) and High School Physical Education Teachers Feel about the Skill Theme Approach? Summary Reading Comprehension Questions References/Suggested Readings 2 Skill Themes, Movement Concepts, and the National Standards Characteristics of Themes Skill Themes and Movement Concepts The Wheel (Movement Analysis Framework) Progression Spiral The National Standards and the Skill Theme Approach Background of National Standards Development Skill Themes and the Content Standards Summary Reading Comprehension Questions References/Suggested Readings 3 Physical Fitness, Physical Activity and Wellness for Children Wellness for Children Mental and Emotional Health Personal and Social Responsibility Nutrition The Good Health Balance Physical Activity Physical Inactivity Guidelines for Physical Activity Physical Activity in and beyond the School Day In-School Activities Out-of-School Activities Physical Activity Director Active Schools Physical Fitness for Children History of Physical Fitness Physical Fitness: A Defi nition Concepts of Physical Fitness Fitness in the Physical Education