The Positive Effects of Active Education
By: Baileigh J. Tate
Have you ever been in a classroom full of students with “ants in their pants?” Every teacher has experienced days, or possibly weeks, filled with wiggly kids! Are the kids just wiggly or could these jitters actually be a sign that students are ready and eager to learn? This is a question which has become a topic of education research.
Since the late 1980s, state and federal legislation resources have been used to study the links between a child’s physical activity and academic performance. In the past, it was thought that physical activity time, such as recess, took away from the academic success of the classroom and should be limited or all together removed from the school day schedule. However, current research has shown quite the opposite! In fact, research has revealed numerous educational benefits of physical activity being integrated into the school day.
Research has shown that children who have opportunities throughout the day to move, run, jump, and play perform better on standardized tests, demonstrated better focus and behavior in the classroom, have improved cognitive performance, are better able to problem solve, and show empathy to their peers. The research is so compelling that government recommendations now encourage an hour to two hours of physical activity PER DAY for school age children.
How does an educator incorporate more physical activity into the already busy school day? Here are a few simple guidelines to aid in creating structured physical time.
- Remember that active learning does not have to occur in a single session. Short bursts of energy work well for students.
- When lesson planning, ask yourself, “In what ways can my students move their bodies to better grasp this concept?” This is a wonderful way to incorporate the kinesthetic learners in your group!
- Consider incorporating activities such as dancing, nature discovery walks, and movement to music.
- Aim to provide a balance between moderate indoor physical activity and vigorous outdoor physical activity.
- Incorporate adult and student led physical game-like activities. Remember that adult led games are important for connection with your class and aid in developing the skill of following instruction. Student led activities promote leadership, team building, and exercise social-emotional development.
With these guidelines in place, you will find that students are better able to connect with you and others in the group, focus during instruction time, and perform better on educational tasks. Time to get moving!
About the Author:
Baileigh J. Tate graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a degree in Children’s Ministry. She has worked in the education field since 2001, and has taught every grade from kindergarten to seniors in high school. Her previous experience includes writing curriculum, and she was a contributing author for Motion: A Velocity Devotion. Before coming to MindWorks Resources, Baileigh served as a before and after school director for 7 years. Baileigh now works at MindWorks Resources as a certified writer and education expert.
Works Cited:
Prevention, Center for Disease Control and. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/npao/pdf/tips-for-teachers.pdf. 2016. 2016.
— . http://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/npao/strategies.htm. 19 August 2015. 22 November 2016.
Promotion, Office of Disease Prevention and Health. https://health.gov/paguidelines/guidelines/chapter3.aspx. 2016. 2016.
Research, Active Living. http://activelivingresearch.org/sites/default/files/ALR_Brief_ActiveEducation_Jan2015.pdf. January 2015. November 2016.
