Choice of Habit

– Poise, Free Movement and the Practical Use of the Body

by Jack V. Fenton

The classic investigation into the movement habits of school children and how to improve them.

Based on the Alexander Technique.

Foreword by Nyree Dawn Porter.

£11.95

New and reset edition. Paperback, 132 pages. 39 illustrations, glossary. October 2010.

More details: Choice of Habit

Posture is the basis for coordination of mind and body. The seeds of bad posture and ineffecient movement start early in our lives. Since good posture is rarely spontaneous, it has to be developed.

Guided and inspired by the Alexander Technique, Fenton first shows how serious the problem of harmful habits of movement can be, and, second, how teaching in schools can make a significant difference.

Fenton’s own comprehensive and original research into the habits of school children and how to improve their use and performance is documented. Among his own research is an examination of 1,000 children, aged between 5 and 18 years. Other research projects into the posture and health of children and of army recruits support his findings.

He reports on two substantial projects in different schools. The aim being to explain the principles of the Alexander Technique by teaching body mechanics in all situations and by developing a group approach which would be preventative as well as re-educational. From this great volume of practical experience Fenton is able to suggest practically tested methods allowing teachers to develop good habits of use and performance in children. These methods include teaching observation, using film and tape recordings, and using homework projects that investigate posture through pictures and descriptions.

Through extensive illustrations and tables Fenton shows how children’s movements and posture can be improved through early intervention. His book is a plea for the potential of physical education in schools, for helping children to become aware of the importance of good body mechanics in everyday activities, and, fundamentally, for teaching children that there is a choice of habit.

Publication notes

First published 1973. Re-issued in the USA as Practical Movement Control. Second edition published 13th October 2010 by Mouritz.