The Impact of Sitting
Physical Activity and Student Achievement
5 HOURS!!!
According to the American Journal of Public Health, the average elementary age student is sitting down for approximately 5 hours during the school day. If we know that physical activity increases student achievement and focus, then why are students still sitting for several hours?
Health Benefits
- Standing increases circulation
- maintains muscle tone
- burns calories
- jump starts the cerebellum; which contributes to certain cognitive functions, such as language
Academic Achievement
Several studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between physical activity and test scores.
Classroom Behavior
Regular exercise releases chemicals in the brain that increase concentration, improve memory, and help mental sharpness.
Ryan Csajko
Physical Education Teacher
Carole Highlands Elementary &
Edward M. Felegy Elementary Schools
Email: ryan.csajko@pgcps.org
Website: http://www1.pgcps.org/carolehighlands/
Phone: 301-431-5660
Twitter: @MrCsajko
Sources
- "New Releases." Regular Exercise Releases Brain Chemicals Key for Memory, Concentration, and Mental Sharpness. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2014.
- Coe, Dawn Podulka, James M. Pivarnik, Christopher J. Womack, Mathew J. Reeves, and Robert M. Malina. "Effect of Physical Education and Activity Levels on Academic Achievement in Children." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 38.8 (2006): 1515-519. Web.
- "More Physical Activity Improved School Performance in Swedish Study."ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.
- Benden, Mark E., Jamilia J. Blake, Monica L. Wendel, John C. Huber, and Jr. "The Impact of Stand-Biased Desks in Classrooms on Calorie Expenditure in Children." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Jan. 2006. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.