![]() On this site, there are already several blog posts with lists of activities and fun exercises for kids: I make different categories of brain break exercises, daily physical exercises or helpful fine motor activities for a teacher to choose from. When I help teachers create exercise programs, I often create activity banks and lists. School-Based Classroom Exercises and Activities for Kids Hence why I created this exercise program for your students!Ĭhallenge various parts of children’s bodies… to stimulate more parts of their brains! Ratey states: “The more you challenge your brain, the better the brain works.” When referring to the types of physical exercises that should be chosen for the body, Dr. One of his publications, “Spark-The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” discusses the transformative effects of exercise on the brain. Ratey, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, best selling author, and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry. ![]() Adding routine movement breaks can help kids create better life habits.Įxercise improves mental health and reduces stress. Exercise enhances brain health and executive function.Īdditionally, there’s an increase in childhood obesity in the United States due to a lack of physical activity and increased sedentary play. Many other studies show the positive effects of physical activity on the brain. ![]() Physical Activity, Brain and Cognition – Science Direct shares this supporting evidence. ![]() Part of this study shows the effectiveness of classroom physical activity and its positive impact on academics.Ĭlassroom physical exercises increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares an in-depth study, The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. Moreover, it shows state and federal programs the effectiveness and positive effect of physical activities. The proof and evidence support what we do and it’s important for best practices. We can’t just do fun, cool activities that support cognitive function and academic achievement. When working in elementary schools, there’s always that need for evidence-based practices. Research Studies Show the Effectiveness of Classroom Exercise Programs Classroom exercises can be easily added to learning routines. Kids’ bodies need more routine physical activity. They can’t stand near their desk or in the hall without leaning against something for support! I find it absolutely shocking how quickly a whole class of elementary students fatigue with the simplest movement activity! During my whole class OT lessons, many kids struggle to hold their arms out to the sides. Their students struggle to pay attention and to complete basic fine motor activities such as managing their belongings and opening lunch containers. So many teachers I know report difficulties with attention and basic motor skills from the entire class. Kids’ bodies aren’t developing the strong foundation they need for optimal school-age performance. ![]() There are so many changes in society right now that negatively impact development.Ĭhanges in play and routines during infancy, toddlerhood and preschool interfere with typical sensory and physical development.Īdditionally, the increased use of technology impacts motor skill development and attention. Why Do Kids Need Brain Breaks and Classroom Exercises? But now, teachers and I are finding that the movement activities and OT strategies benefit ALL SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN! Whole class exercises should also address posture, core strength, and fine motor skill development in the body.ĭecades ago, I would share classroom exercises for special needs students that I worked with in elementary schools. They focus on using movement, balance and vestibular input as well as calming and organizing proprioceptive input for the muscles. My classroom exercises incorporate activities that stimulate and strengthen sensory pathways for attention and learning in a child’s brain. It’s important to make every movement break count in order to maximize the benefits for kids. I make sure that the exercise programs I create address several areas of development. Throughout my years of working in the schools as an occupational therapist, I often collaborate with teachers in creating classroom exercise programs. Choosing specific types of exercise in elementary schools supports motor development and stimulates sensory pathways in the brain. Routine classroom exercise and physical activity breaks improve test scores and executive function in kids. Physical movement breaks increase focus, attention, and memory so that kids retain information. Regular exercise breaks for elementary students helps improve learning and classroom behavior. Research supports the use of classroom exercises during the school day. ![]()
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