You may be too young to remember the “This is your brain on drugs” movement in the 80s. It was an anti-narcotics campaign to try to prevent people from using drugs. The commercials featured an egg as “your brain” and a hot skillet as “drugs” and the commercial ended with the advertiser saying, “Any questions?” [...]
As colder weather approaches for most of us, it is wise to think about ways we can still provide the activity and movement breaks that children inherently need and want, even if time outdoors is not an option during school time. Research supports the notion that children are more active during spring than winter, and [...]
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (2018) reports that 12 to 25% of children have anxiety disorders. That is one or more out of every eight children. This equates to potentially three or four students in your class who are carrying the weight of anxiety on their shoulders. Children with this disorder are considered [...]
“I did yoga with my students last year, mainly in my first block class. They said it helped their focus for the remainder of the day and helped reduce the stress of homework and outside things.” – Mac Underwood-Cohick, Physical Education and Health Teacher, The Ensworth School, Nashville, TN “I’ve used yoga with my classes [...]
It is back-to-school season! Hopefully you’ve had an opportunity to relax and enjoy a much-needed and deserved break! As the first day of school draws near for many of us, it is important to ensure that you are taking care of yourself both mentally and physically in order to be at your best for the [...]
The Springboard to Active Schools initiative is an online platform that assists teachers, administrators, parents, and other school physical activity leaders with strategies to maximize activity efforts related to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. The Springboard to Active Schools site provides a plethora of information, resources, and training related to classroom physical activity. Specifically, the [...]
Movement is for Adolescents Too! It’s important not to leave out the population who may need activity the most—adolescents. While movement breaks in elementary school have been embraced, they are not quite a “staple” at the secondary level. If you are a secondary teacher, you may cringe at the thought of leading a group of [...]
As teachers, we really want students to be “still” and focused when we are trying to teach them concepts. It just feels right. It gives us the impression that the content we are teaching is actually sinking in. However, it is extremely difficult for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to focus on a [...]
You hear tear-jerking stories of your students’ home lives all the time. One is being raised by grandparents who are barely healthy enough to walk because they have no health insurance. Another slept on the floor with her four younger siblings last night. Two had no dinner last night, so their last full, healthy meal [...]
