An organized period of physical activity has been part of U.S. school curricula for decades, and for many fidgety or bored children, it's the highlight of the school day. Unfortunately for these students, exercising generally takes place only once or twice weekly as part of gym class. But recent evidence sheds new light on the importance of including physical activity in the classroom daily alongside reading, writing and arithmetic.
Studies
Periods of physical activity play a role in promoting brain activity in school-aged children, according to a study published in the March 2009 issue of the journal "Neuroscience." Led by Dr. Charles Hillman, community health professor and director of the University of Illinois' Neurocognitive Kinesiology Laboratory, the study examined the cognitive effect of short bursts of moderate physical activity on 9-year-old students. Students tested after a 20-minute walking period paid more attention and performed better on reading comprehension, math and spelling activities. Reading comprehension showed the most improvement; students scored an entire grade level higher following physical activity than they did when tested after a period of inactivity.
Considerations
Recent trends in education, including an increased need for instructional time and standardized testing preparation, have contributed to a decrease in both recess hours and gym class duration in many school districts. Aware of the need many children have for physical activity, some educators try to incorporate exercising into their regular classroom curriculum using action-based or kinesthetic learning. Using this teaching strategy, teachers engage students in physical activity and movement as part of content instruction in an effort to enhance learning and comprehension.
Time Frame
Dr. David Katz, Yale University School of Medicine professor and board-certified preventative medicine specialist, believes that teachers can incorporate exercise into the daily academic schedule without losing classroom learning time. Katz designed a free, supplemental classroom exercise program that features short, 4- to 6-minute bursts of physical activity for students to engage in. Teachers lead these organized fitness activities during those times that they normally spend getting restless or distracted students to refocus on academic instruction. Results from a study led by Dr. Katz and published in the July 2010 issue of "Preventing Chronic Disease" indicate that the physical activity program -- called Active Bursts in the Classroom for Fitness -- enhances students' fitness levels, maintains their academic performance and decreases the need for asthma and ADHD medication.
Implications for Parents
Do your part to help enhance your child's classroom learning by making sure that she exercises every day at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Exercise options for your child include aerobic movement, such as walking, running and swimming, as well as bone-strengthening and muscle-building activities, such as jumping rope and gymnastics. Take the time to exercise with your child to help encourage physical activity and further increase your child's chances of experiencing academic success.
References
- "Neuroscience"; The Effect of Acute Treadmill Walking on Cognitive Control and Academic Achievement in Preadolescent Children; Dr. Charles Hillman, et al.; March 2009
- "The Kinesthetic Classroom"; Michael Kuczala, et al.; 2010
- "Preventing Chronic Disease"; Putting Physical Activity Where It Fits in the School Day...; Dr. David Katz, et al.; July 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?
