Why is physical activity important?
Research has shown that adding physical activity to the classroom boosts students' ability to learn, pay attention, and perform better on assessments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, formal physical education and recess should be supplemented by physical activity breaks in the classroom in order to achieve maximum health and academic benefits. In addition, by integrating physical activity into core curriculum instruction, teachers can provide kinesthetic learning opportunities which will enhance students' recall of the material.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between school based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 2010.
I have broken down physical activity ideas into three sections. The first details activities that can be used as short movement breaks in the classroom. The second details ideas for integrating activity into core curriculum lessons. The third details activities that can be used on field trips or during other times when it may be appropriate to use physical activity as a brief time-filler (e.g., during a field trip lunch break or while waiting for the bus). Please see the pages under each subheading for examples of activities I will use as a learning tool.
More information on the benefits of physical activity is available by clicking on the logos below.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The association between school based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 2010.
I have broken down physical activity ideas into three sections. The first details activities that can be used as short movement breaks in the classroom. The second details ideas for integrating activity into core curriculum lessons. The third details activities that can be used on field trips or during other times when it may be appropriate to use physical activity as a brief time-filler (e.g., during a field trip lunch break or while waiting for the bus). Please see the pages under each subheading for examples of activities I will use as a learning tool.
More information on the benefits of physical activity is available by clicking on the logos below.