The Power of PlayIntegrating Physical Activity into Primary School Curricula

IntroductionThe Importance of Play

Memory and recall are improved when learning is spaced out

Brain research draws a link between physical activity and brain

connections

Schools systems that allow more time for nonacademic endeavors

achieved:

higher test scores

improved attitudes

Better fitness

The Demise of Play in Public Schools

In 2005 the National Center for Education

Statistics survey revealed that:

-7 percent of first graders and 8

percent of third graders never had

recess

-14 percent of first graders and 15

percent of third graders had only 1

to 15 minutes of recess per day

A study by No Child Left Behind found that 20

percent of schools have decreased recess time by an

average of 50 minutes per week

No Play, No Progress

The Play, Policy, and Practice Interest Forum found

no research to support administrator’s belief that

test performance could be improved by keeping

children in the classroom

-Obesity

-Diabetes

-Heart disease

-Stress related illnesses

-Decreased academic

performance

A Better, Healthier Way

The FLEx Framework An Innovative Solution

Freedom, Learning, and

Exploration

Flexibility in the Classroom

Provide teachers with 60 minutes of

distributable time for co-curricular activities

Integrate physical activity into the lesson plan

Provide students with a outlet for stress and

jitters

Creative Possibilities

Example: A teacher can insert three ten-minute

periods of exercise and stretching throughout the

school day. Morning, before lunch, and towards

the end of the day.

Teachers can use the remaining thirty minutes

for a physical-learning activity.

Conclusions

Explore integrating health and wellness programs into

schools

More research that explores the tangible effects of

healthy living and exercise

Closer attention to health disparities and physical activity

in low-income populations

References