Origins of the Collection
500 Preschool Movement Games (幼兒體能遊戲500例) was authored by Nanhai Hong (1922–2002), the founder of Jenher Preschool in Tainan, Taiwan. Drawing on a rich athletic background as a multi-sport competitor, physical education teacher at normal and middle schools, and more than two decades of direct teaching at Jenher Preschool, he compiled this comprehensive resource to support early childhood teachers and families.
The compilation of this work was actively encouraged by Li-Chieh Wang, then Chief of the Special and Early Childhood Education Division at the Tainan City Bureau of Education, who recognized the pressing need for a structured, play-based physical education guide tailored to young children’s developmental stages.
Pedagogical Philosophy: “Hands Are the External Brain”
A cornerstone of the author’s educational philosophy is the concept that “the hands are the external brain” (手是外表的頭腦). The collection emphasizes that developing fine-motor dexterity, finger coordination, and bilateral hand control works hand-in-hand with lower-body strength, jumping power, and dynamic equilibrium.
Child-Centered Agency
Instruction aligns with the child’s spontaneous interest, imagination, and readiness rather than rigid drills.
Everyday Materials
Creative play using household items like pencils, coins, ping-pong balls, paper, and boxes alongside gym apparatus.
Whole-Child Vitality
Supporting physical health, creative thinking, and cooperative social bonds through shared movement games.
Curriculum Structure & Digital Preservation
The original 2002 archive was organized into two foundational pillars:
9 Theory Chapters (理論篇)
Explores the objectives of early childhood movement, motor function progression, sensory-motor integration, and the neural foundations of active physical play.
22 Practical Categories (實例篇)
Details hundreds of illustrated movement activities spanning fundamental locomotor skills, object control (balls, ropes, hoops), gymnastics apparatus, and cooperative group games.
In modern digital preservation, Jenher Preschool has digitized the currently preserved archive. The North American ECE English edition adapts this collection across 39 structured resources (26 practical chapter resources, 9 theory resources, and 4 introductory guides) published across 37 public routes, making this rich pedagogical heritage accessible to international educators.
North American ECE Adaptation Principles
To serve contemporary early childhood classrooms while honoring historical provenance, this English edition adheres to clear editorial principles:
- Source Fidelity & Archive Context: When reviewed adaptations materially change historical measurements, scoring, or activity mechanics, source context is preserved through transparent notes or disclosures.
- Observation Over Testing: Evaluative scoring formulas are reframed into qualitative educator observation prompts to support child-centered planning.
- Readiness-Based Safety: Activities provide clear equipment specifications, adult supervision guidelines, and easier/harder variations to accommodate diverse developmental readiness.
- Non-Commercial Educational Access: This material is freely provided for early childhood teaching, non-commercial research, and educator professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the original 500 Movement Games collection?
How is the original curriculum structured?
Is this English edition a direct translation or an adaptation?
Does the English website contain all 500 original activities?
500 Movement Games Collection: About the Collection
This curriculum originated from Nanhai Hong's years of practical early childhood physical education teaching. Jenher Preschool preserved the core activities, digitizing and updating the text, instructions, and safety guidelines for modern early childhood classroom needs.
This material is freely provided for classroom teaching and non-commercial research. When citing, please attribute "500 Preschool Movement Games" with a link to this webpage. Commercial resale or unauthorized mass reproduction is strictly prohibited.
Before starting, assess each child's readiness and ensure an open, slip-resistant play area with continuous adult supervision. For children with specific health, motor, or developmental considerations, please consult a pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist.