Movement Education

1221 Words3 Pages

Movement Education is an approach to teaching physical education that involves problem solving, guided-discovery and exploring methods with the effect of individualizing learning. This method applies coordinated and rhythmical body movements in learning situations. Movement Education is a newer approach to teaching that originates from the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. Throughout this paper the concepts created by Rudolf Laban will be discussed along with the different methods of teaching involved in Movement Education as well as the movement analysis wheel. Also being explained will be the benefits of Movement Education and its ability to combat childhood obesity.

Created by Rudolf Laban, the Laban Movement Analysis is comprised of four main categories: body, space, effort and relationships as the main concepts. All of which are involved in Movement Education and a popular tool for dancers, actors, musicians, athletes and physical therapists. The category of “body” describes the physical and structural characteristics of the human body while in movement. This explains which parts of the body are moving, which are connected and are influenced by others. Laban then describes space, which involves motion in connection with the environment. Also referred to the as the “space” in which the body moves. Effort or quality of body movement is a system for deciphering how movement is done with respect to inner intention. Lastly is the concept of relationships amongst body parts, individuals, groups and objects. Each of these concepts coordinate with the movement analysis wheel.

Movement Education was originally based on the movement analysis wheel, which has been modified over the years. The three activities that form the cor...

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...ssroom Capers: Movement Education in the Classroom. Designed for Children Series. Educational Designs and Consultants New Orleans, LA February 26-March 1, 1982.

Humphrey, Shannon. Movement Education aims to combat childhood obesity and increase function in schools. Daily Press 10 March 2010.

Wall, Jennifer. Children and Movement, Physical Education in the Elemantary School. Dubuque, IA.: William C. Brown Company, 1990.

Weiller Abels, Karen. Teaching Movement Education: foundations for active lifestyles. Champaign, IL.: Human Kinetics, 2010.

Rasmus, Carolyn. Movement activities for places and spaces. Washington : AAHPER, 1977/1983.

Riggs, Maida. Movement Education for pre-school children. Boston, MA.: American Alliance for Health Physical, April 1981.

“Why Movement.” Center for Movement Education and Research. 2003

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