In the article "A Brain Tonic for Children" by Gretchen Reynolds found in the New York Times on 10/14/14, a study was done that show physical activity helps brain function. The University of Illinois did a study with 220 students that were 8 to 9 years old. They divided the group in half. The control group just did what they did every day after school while the others worked on physical activity.
What a shock to find, "The students who attended the most exercise sessions showed greater
improvements in their cognitive scores."
The students that exercised were given heart monitors and pedometers. They were guided through activities like tag how to dribble a soccer ball. Over all they exerciser about 70 minutes and covered over two miles.
So if you are in a district where they are cutting back on PE classes and having shorter recesses, you can improve your student test scores by having them workout every day. So start a run club for once or twice a week, start a walking group at lunch. Take a break and do physical exercise while learning the times tables or just counting.
If students in your classroom are not exercising after school you really need to add some in your teaching day. Think about it, you both will benefit.
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