New mind–body connections: Coverage has been added throughout the text regarding (1) research on the positive effects of physical activity and exercise on the functioning of the brain and (2) a research review by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the positive associations between physical activity and student academic performance.

Revised chapters:
Chapter 1 makes a stronger case for why classroom teachers should provide physical activity for their students. It also includes 2010 Shape of the Nation data.

Chapter 2 includes updated information regarding skill demonstrations and feedback to accompany skill practice to improve acquisition of motor skills.

Chapter 4 specifies the FITT principle as a way to organize and remember the principles of fitness training and includes the CDC’s most recent (2008) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

Chapter 7 contains clarifications of the various teaching strategies, as well as new websites with key information on establishing a caring community.

Chapter 9 updates motivational suggestions based on new research in various motivational theories. Chapter 11 has an added section on documenting safety practices and additional information on the components of an emergency action plan to respond to injury situations.

Design change: In response to reviewers’ comments, Chapter 3 contains illustrations (at the intermediate and advanced levels) to show the typical performance of the basic motor skills. Each illustration shows the full movement sequence, from start to finish, for that particular skill. The illustrations replace the static photos showing skill performance at only one point in time.