Team Sports, Gymnastics and Dance in Community Settings: A Guide for Teachers, Coaches, and Parents » (1st Edition)

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a national information system designed to provide ready access to an extensive body of education-related literature. Established in 1966, ERIC is supported by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement and is administered by the National Library of Education (NLE).

The mission of the ERIC system is to improve American education by increasing and facilitating the use of educational research and information to improve practice in learning, teaching, educational decision making, and research, wherever and whenever these activities take place.

Patricia A. Sullivan, EdD, is the associate director of health, physical education, recreation and dance at the ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education. She has over 30 years of experience in teaching; coaching; and working with teachers, coaches, and parents. She is a professor of exercise science at George Washington University. Dr. Sullivan is a member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport; and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. She recently completed a term as president of the National Council for the Accreditation of Coaching Education.

Millions of young people participate in school- and community-based physical activity and sport programs. Most parents support their children's involvement in these programs because the programs promote physical fitness, development of motor skills, self-confidence, social skills, and a physically active lifestyle. In fact, parents are increasingly supporting their children's participation in these activities at younger and younger ages.

But children are not small adults; they have special needs for safe progression and participation. This publication can guide parents in their search for safe and appropriate activity or sport programs and assist coaches and leaders who want to offer developmentally appropriate activities.

Team Sports, Gymnastics, and Dance in Community Settings: A Guide for Teachers, Coaches, and Parents is the guidebook that every parent, coach, teacher, and administrator needs to read to assess a program.

For parents seeking a dance, gymnastics, or team sport program, the guide describes appropriate practices and content for teaching preschoolers through high school students. The guide examines key factors for selecting a program as well as criteria for assessing teachers and coaches. The book provides valuable information and tips so that you can make informed decisions about choosing the program that is right for your child.