How a Before-School Physical Activity Program Improves Executive Functions

Posted by Afterschool Matters on January 18, 2016

Before the School Bell Rings
How a Before-School Physical Activity Program Improves Executive Functions

Across the country, school administrators and educators struggle to find time for children to engage in physical activity while still giving them enough time in academic instruction. The steep rise in childhood obesity in the U.S. (National Center for Health Statistics, 2011; Ogden, Carroll, Kit, & Flegal, 2014) suggests that the concern is urgent.

However, the need to meet accountability standards puts pressure in the direction of more “seat time” rather than physical activity time.

Research suggests that the tension between physical activity and academic achievement rests on a false dichotomy. Physical activity can and does support children’s learning: Providing children with opportunities for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can help them improve their academic performance.

http://files.ctctcdn.com/e7aa398b001/42f8acff-24e3-4215-afd0-f2f402dbb73d.pdf