One of the biggest challenges of traditional learning is the sedentary lifestyle that children are required to adapt to. Oftentimes in the classroom, students are supposed to remain seated at their desks and give their full attention to the assignment or instruction provided to them. Most primary schools provide recess and there are specials, but could more breaks from direct instruction prove beneficial to academic performance?
A recent study examined the effects of in-classroom physical activity breaks on student’s health, academic ability, and cognitive function. The study involved over 1000 primary school children where instruction was paused, and children participated in a physically-demanding activity throughout the day. Researchers believe that physical breaks in the classroom setting are a great idea because it is already an environment associated with learning and the teacher can grab everyone’s attention easily. Not to mention, physical activity is known as an indicator for academic performance.
After this study was completed, the data from this study revealed that there was a positive correlation between student’s overall physical activity levels and breaks promoted other healthy behaviors. In regards to academic performance, students performed better on spelling tasks as well as had an easier time learning foreign languages. They also found that there was a positive effect of physical breaks on cognitive functions such as inhibition, or blocking out other stimuli in the environment. This can prove beneficial to the learning process as children are able to sustain their focus on the task at hand.
More studies need to be conducted on the effects of physical activity on reading and mathematical performance. However, there are numerous effects that physical activity can have as long as the breaks are cognitively demanding. Physical activity breaks have the potential to be a useful classroom tool.
Read more about breaks here
Marissa Robarge
Research Assistant UConn KIDS