Esta obra trata sobre la manera de entender el desarrollo y evolucion de la motricidad humana y, mas concretamente, en la etapa Infantil y Primaria. En el campo de la motricidad humana, se emplean habitualmente diferentes terminos para definir cada uno de los ambitos de estudio. Los ambitos del desarrollo motor y del desarrollo psicomotor se utilizan como sinonimos con frecuencia. Sin embargo, no son intercambiables y afectan a aspectos muy distintos del desarrollo evolutivo del nino y la nina. La educacion motriz, que forma parte de la Educacion Fisica en Primaria, pretende mejorar la coordinacion motriz, ya se trate de motricidad global mediante actividades no locomotrices y locomotrices o de motricidad fina mediante actividades manipulatorias. La educacion psicomotriz, por su parte, pretende que se adquieran conceptos a traves de las actividades de manipulacion y de las acciones motrices; por esta razon interviene como condicion previa o como apoyo a los primeros aprendizajes. La primera parte del libro nos muestra los elementos basicos de la educacion psicomotriz y se define en ella el marco conceptual en el que ha de incluirse la educacion a traves de las acciones motrices. En la segunda parte, se describe el desarrollo motor del nino (motricidad global y motricidad fina), que subtiende a la formacion del esquema corporal, y las caracteristicas de la torpeza; tambien se explica la adquisicion de la lateralidad. En la tercera parte, se aborda el aprendizaje de la escritura, la lectura, las matematicas, las ciencias y la organizacion espacial y temporal. En cada uno de estos apartados, se presentan primeramente los principios teoricos mas importantes de cada aprendizaje y luego seanalizan las interacciones entre la accion motriz o los elementos del desarrollo psicomotor y este aprendizaje. En la parte final, dedicada a la didactica, se presentan los principios de la organizacion de sesiones de educacion motriz o de educacion psicomotriz y de la evaluacion de

In early childhood education, children find in their own body and movement the main way to get in touch with the reality that surrounds them and, therefore, acquire knowledge about the environment in which they grow and develop. Undoubtedly, the progressive discovery of the body itself as a source of feelings and sensations, as well as exploring the different possibilities of action and bodily functions, constitutes necessary experiences on which children's thinking is built. Furthermore, the affective relationships established in psychomotor education situations, and particularly through play, are essential for the emotional development of children. Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners offers globalized educational practices, didactic approaches, and proposals for intervention around motor development in the children ages 0-6 years. The book specifically explores laterality, coordination, relaxation, rhythm, etc. and how these are achieved through games, music, and motor stories. This book is ideal for early childhood educators, physical education teachers, administrators, daycares, preschools, early childhood learning centers, researchers, academicians, and students interested in physical education’s role in early child development.

Individuals with disabilities often have difficulty accomplishing tasks, living independently, and utilizing information technologies; simple aspects of daily life taken for granted by non-disabled individuals. Assistive Technologies: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications presents a comprehensive collection of research, developments, and knowledge on technologies that enable disabled individuals to function effectively and accomplish otherwise impossible tasks. These volumes serve as a crucial reference source for experts in fields as diverse as healthcare, information science, education, engineering, and human-computer interaction, with applications bridging multiple disciplines.

In the chapters that follow, the history and current status of early childhood education in selected countries, along with a review of current research that is being conducted in these countries will be presented. In essence this will provide a glimpse of the intellectual base of early childhood education in many parts of the world.

Accompanying CD-ROM contains: contents of book; continuous updates; slide image library; references linked to MEDLINE; pediatric guidelines; case studies; review questions.