Physical activity and academic performance are more connected than many educators and families realize. For adolescents in school settings, regular movement does more than support physical health. It appears to strengthen the psychological skills students need to succeed in the classroom, including their ability to regulate their own behavior and their belief in their own […]
Physical activity and executive function in kids are more closely linked than many school-based professionals may realize. Executive functions, which include the ability to focus, hold information in mind, and shift between tasks, develop gradually throughout childhood and play a key role in academic success and lifelong learning. A 2025 narrative review published in the […]
Schools play a critical role in supporting students’ emotional well being, attention, and behavior. As academic demands increase and daily schedules become more sedentary, many students experience fewer opportunities for movement during the school day. At the same time, schools are responding to rising mental health needs with limited time and resources. Long term research […]
If you can hop to the rhythm, try this inexpensive cardiovascular workout using jump rope activities for elementary students and older! Jumping rope helps improve muscular endurance, coordination, and brain function, the American Heart Association states. Before any jump-rope game, strap on supportive athletic shoes and warm up. Using a jump rope for other activities […]
With today’s young people spending so much time online, are you concerned about the repercussions that this could have on the development of behaviors? A recent research article in Clinical Pediatrics took a closer look at the association between physical activity, sports, screen time, and adolescent behaviors based on emergency room visits. Methodology of the […]
Many of us are aware of the importance of physical activity for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, research indicates that persons with disabilities frequently join inclusive sports but do not continue with inclusion sports overtime. Parents report rejection by staff and other participants. In addition, parents feel that there is a lack of contact and understanding […]
A recent article in the Psychology of Sports and Exercise reported on a study examing the effects of specifically designed physical activities on children’s foreign language vocabulary learning and attentional performance. The researchers examined physical activity and memory performance in children. Methodology of the Study on Physical Activity and Memory Performance in Children The participants included 104 children, […]
The statistics are frightening for the future health of our young people. While schools are fretting over academic achievement to increase brain power, physical inactivity in youth is on the rise. Think about your average elementary school students 30 years ago – many walked to school, had outdoor recess 2-3 times per day, walked home […]
Relationship between Physical Activity, Weight, and Motor Skill Development Children seem to move less and sit more. Did you know that in the United States, only 22% of children meet the current physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity? In addition, 63% of children participate in more than […]
I Spy Exercise Movement and Visual Perceptual Activity Freebie Are you looking for a no-prep visual discrimination, visual motor, body awareness and exercise activity? Here is a one-page black and white I Spy Exercise activity for you (download the freebie at the end of the post). Print the activity and give to the child with […]