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Using Stories to Encourage Optimal Physical Development

  • Jennifer V. ButzEmail author
  • Stanton A. Hancock
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Part of the Educating the Young Child book series (EDYC, volume 16)

Abstract

The childhood obesity epidemic has plagued many nations throughout the world with a myriad of health issues that were once reserved for adulthood. Childhood obesity often becomes a life sentence for these children due to the increased likelihood of becoming obese adults. Considering the importance of establishing healthy behaviors early in a child’s life, it is vital for educators to seek out any and all available methods to increase children’s interest in physical development and activity. One possible approach is the incorporation of storytelling into games and instructional activities. By combining stories and characters with traditional teaching practices, it is possible to increase a child’s interest and motivation to engage in physical activity. The use of a story allows the child to form a deeper connection to the content of the lesson. This chapter describes techniques educators can utilize to integrate stories effectively into a classroom setting to encourage optimal physical development for students during early childhood. These techniques include digital and health-related stories, games, and movement stories.

Keywords

Physical development Physical literacy Movement education Physical education Movement stories 
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© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Northern Lehigh School DistrictSlatingtonUSA
  2. 2.Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndianaUSA
  3. 3.Lehigh ValleyWashington TownshipUSA

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