Why Movement During Class Should be Encouraged for Young Students
When I was in grade school, any student moving around, fidgeting, or kicking their legs too much was sent to the back of the class. This kept me from causing too much trouble, though maybe I shouldn’t have let it. In more recent years, evidence that movement right before or during class actually increases success in the class instead of reducing it is becoming more prevalent. The aim of this blog is to inform educators of the benefits associated with movement and exercise breaks in class to help their students, especially those with ADHD.
ADHD and How In-Class Exercise Helps
This issue is especially important for those children with ADHD. The number of children with ADHD in the United States has been steadily growing over the past two decades. Currently it is close to 7%of the worldwide population of children and adolescents, which is a substantial increase from a decade ago. Of the children found to have ADHD, 2 out of 3 of them have another mental disability or disorder, and not nearly all of these children are receiving treatment, or at least not the right treatment for them. One treatment option alternative to medication that is beneficial to all is exercise. Aerobic exercise has been shown to be beneficial for all children, not just those diagnosed with ADHD. It can improve attentiveness and focus in all children, adolescents, and even adults. Findings suggestthat acute physical activity has the potential to improve reaction times in inhibition and switching in children with ADHD. If they aren’t moving enough, their focus and attention will diminish, they’ll become too excited, and generally become less than ideal students. They’ll be less receptive to information, and their minds may be taken out of “learning mode”. The way to incorporate movement into the classroom and bring them back into this mode can come in many different forms.
Ways to Bring Activity Into the Classroom
Some simple ways to get moving in class would be to periodically stand up and walk around the room. Maybe everyone can walk around and choose a new desk to sit at. You can incorporate movement into a group assignment in which each group has to relocate in 5 minute intervals and do their work in different areas of the class. Weather permitting, classes could be held outside, or a portion of it could be taught there. One way that I find to be the most convenient would be desk cycles and/or hokki stools. These methods involve allowing the student to move while not losing out on any planned class time. Some other methods may be more effective, but may require leaving the classroom setting, or interrupting the teacher’s flow. It would be pretty simple to bring these into the classroom, and have it available for all children. Once parental consent is given, the only barrier remaining would be cost. If research funds or grants are available, this would be a great use of them as it will most definitely benefit the children in terms of learning ability as well as physical health. Desk-cycles are generally cost-effective, but they add up if buying for the whole class/school. Here’s one model with good reviews on Target.com
Activity Increases Academic Performance
There is plenty of research that proves that students need adequate amounts of physical activity throughout the school day. It has been shown to prevent obesity and obesity-related issues, as well as help students perform better academically. Aerobic exercise increases oxygen flow to the brain, increased brain neurotransmitters, and increased brain-derived neurotrophins. (Neurotrophins assure the survival of neurons in areas responsible for learning, memory, and higher thinking.)
The CDC, Columbia University, The New York City Health Department and Department of Education, the Universities of Illinois, West Virginia, and California have all published research that stands behind the need for physical education in the school system.
The CDC states, “…physical activity can have an impact on cognitive skills and attitudes and academic behavior, all of which are important components of improved academic performance. These include enhanced concentration and attention as well as improved classroom behavior.”
And there’s more. Active Living Research says, “In some cases, more time in physical education leads to improved grades and standardized test scores.” In schools that are under government mandates to bridge the achievement gap (and when those mandates encourage “teaching to the test”), physical education can actually help improve students’ scores.
Unfortunately, many schools cut physical education class and PE funding with the belief that more rigid classroom time would somehow stimulate students to learn more. It’s an incorrect belief, and there’s scientific evidence to prove it.
More resources for ADHD and movement in classrooms
Frank Hegarty is a student enrolled in the Movement Science department at Westfield State University. He is currently obtaining his B.S. in Movement Science, with a concentration in Sports Medicine, and a minor in Psychology.
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