Physical Activity in School Settings. Harvard News. For immediate release: December 2, 2013 Princeton, N.J. – In a time of heightened worries that U.S. public schools do not give enough emphasis to math and English, a new poll released today finds that many parents are concerned about inadequate levels of physical education. NPR/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation/Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) polled 1,368 parents of public school children in grades K-12 on a range of issues around education and health in the their child’s school.
One in four parents (25%) said their child’s school gives too little emphasis to physical education, compared with one in seven who say the same thing about reading and writing (14%) or math (15%). “In a period with a significant public debate about the content of educational reform, it is significant that many parents feel that more physical education is needed in the schools,” said Robert Blendon, Richard L. Menschel Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at HSPH. View the report. Methodology. Findings. Parents Low Grade. University of Michigan. It is a known fact that physical activity improves overall health. Not only does it improve circulation, increase blood flow to the brain, and raise endorphin levels, which all help to reduce stress, improve mood and attitude, and calm children, physically active students may also achieve more academically.
Physically fit students are less likely to miss school, partake in risky behaviors, get pregnant, or attempt suicide, which are all associated with better outcomes in school (Taras, 2005). Many studies have demonstrated the positive effects of physical education and physical activity on school performance. Several studies have stated that providing increased time for physical activity can lead to better concentration, reduced disruptive behaviors and higher test scores in reading, math and writing (Satcher, 2005). Barriers to implementing comprehensive health education programs including physical education are abundant. Not Engaged. Not Meeting Recommendations.
CDC Findings. Positive Associations. Extracurricular Activities. Classroom-Based Physical Activity. Recess. Maximize Benefits. Not meeting recommendations. Example. Challenges. 2006 Statistics. Physical Activity Breaks. Best Forms of Physical Activity. Earlychildhood NEWS. It appears that research is now supporting what we in early childhood education have been saying for years. That is, positive early experiences forge the foundations for lifelong learning and behavior. And, to optimize the development of each child, a rich nurturing environment is required (Diamond & Hopson, 1998; Fischer & Rose, 1998).
Such support has been abundant in news articles and journal publications in connection with the importance of early experience in brain development of the young child (Begley, 1997; Nash, 1997). In essence, “rich environments produce rich brains,” and an essential agent in this process is movement activity! In addition to supporting the need for early education, what science now provides is a better understanding of the critical periods or “windows of opportunity.” These critical periods help us identify when positive experiences may be most beneficial in the developmental process. 1. 2. 3. 4. Infants (Birth–12 months) Chugani, H.T. (1998). Greenough, W. Movement Activities for Infants.
Music and Movement. Sensory-Motor Activities. Gross Motor Activities. Mercola Fitness. An extensive review of relevant research has demonstrated that the more physically active schoolchildren are, the better they do academically. Researchers analyzed 14 studies, ranging in size from as few as 50 participants to as many as 12,000. All of the studies involved children between the ages of 6 and 18. According to the authors : Exercise and Academic Performance Keeping kids active at school is a superb way to increase learning, focus and even test results. As many of you reading this have likely experienced, if your mind is feeling cluttered or you're having a mid-afternoon slump, a brisk walk or a quick workout can give you a renewed sense of clarity and focus.
Two years ago, ABC News reported on a special program being implemented at Naperville Central High School, where students could take part in a dynamic gym class at the beginning of the day, and had access to exercise bikes and balls throughout the day in their classrooms. How Exercise Boosts Brain Function Interval training. Variety. Examples. CDC Findings. Pre-K - High School. Recommendations. Physiology Involved. Earlychildhood NEWS. Good Health. General Window of Opportunity. CDC Findings. Physiology Changes. Positive Increases. Benefits. Latest Research Findings. CDC Findings. Results. Collective Results. Highest Association.
Associations Examined. Pattern. No Negative Impact. PMC Findings. Aerobic Fitness. Cognitive Enhancement. Structures and Functions Impacted. Assessment of Study. Participants.