THE PLAY APPROACH TO LEARNING IN THE CONTEXT OF FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS - AN ALTERNATIVE PARADIGM FOR NUTRITION AND FITNESS EDUCATION IN THE 21ST-CENTURY

An alternative paradigm for nutrition and fitness education centers on understanding and developing skill in implementing a play approach to learning about healthful eating and promoting active play in the cont ext of the child, the family, and the school. The play approach is def ined as a process for learning that is intrinsically motivated, enjoya ble, freely chosen, nonliteral, safe, and actively engaged in by young learners. Making choices, assuming responsibility for one's decisions and actions, and having fun are inherent components of the play appro ach to learning. In this approach, internal cognitive transactions and intrinsic motivation are the primacy forces that ultimately determine healthful choices and life habits. Theoretical models of children's l earning - the dynamic systems theory and the cognitive-developmental t heory of Jean Piaget - provide a theoretical basis for nutrition and f itness education in the 21st century. The ultimate goal is to develop partnerships of children, families, and schools in ways that promote t he well-being of children and translate into healthful life habits. Th e play approach is an ongoing process of learning that is applicable t o learners of all ages.