Citation

Fox JE, Tipps RS. Early Child Res. Q. 1995; 10(4): 491-504.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(95)90018-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This investigation examines the development of young children's psychomotor behaviors on swings in the outdoor play environment. The Guttman scale outlined in this study describes the development of swinging behaviors in hierarchical stages. Early swinging behaviors focus on maintaining balance and achieving movement. Children consolidate basic movements into proficient swinging skills and then extend into experimentation with the physical properties of the swing and with the social context. Modeling, informal instruction, and practice contribute to the successive stages of swinging behaviors. The Guttman scale provides a tool for teachers and researchers to observe children's development in a natural play environment.