Introduction to Physical Education and Health in Early Childhood

• Define the following terms as they relate to the young child (birth through age eight): physical education, physical fitness, health, and wellness.
• Examine the value and the purpose of physical education and health in early childhood programs.
• Investigate the stages of human growth and development in early childhood.
• Examine the relationship between organized sports, physical education, and structured physical activities in early childhood settings.

Physical Education and Health Standards in Early Childhood

• Compare and contrast early childhood national and state standards for physical education and health.
• Identify the relationship between physical education and the following learning domainsin the early childhood learning environment: psychomotor, cognitive, and affective.
• Examine the use of technology in early childhood physical education and health programs.

Curriculum for Physical Education and Health in Early Childhood

• Identify components of a quality early childhood physical education and health program.
• Examine strategies for creating an effective learning climate for physical education and health instruction in an early childhood setting.
• Plan for the specific needs of diverse learners in the early childhood physical education setting.
• Explore ways to enhance curriculum to involve family and community in early childhood physical education and health.

Instructional Methods for Early Childhood Physical Education and Health

• Examine instructional approaches used in an early childhood setting.
• Analyze various methods of teaching early childhood physical education.
• Design an integrated early childhood physical education or health unit.

Assessment in Early Childhood Physical Education and Health

• Describe the use of formative and summative assessments as components of early childhood physical education and health instruction.
• Analyze various assessment strategies used in early childhood physical education and health instruction.
• Identify adaptations for assessing diverse learners in early childhood physical education and health instruction.

Current Issues and Trends in Physical Education and Health

• Create a timeline of events that represents the progression of physical education instruction.
• Explore current early childhood physical education initiatives.
• Examine current trends related to health and wellness in early childhood.