Benefits Physical Activity has in K-12 Public Schools
Physical activity (PA) is defined as bodily movements caused by skeletal muscles that require energy use. PA improves children’s minds and bodies. Children in public schools, kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) have experienced a substantial reduction in PA during the school day. In some cases, children are given no PA whatsoever in order to accommodate the demands of the federal Every Child Succeeds Act. Teachers are forced to reduce physical activities such as recess, physical education classes, playtime, and outdoor activities every day. This presentation addresses the importance of consistent child participation in PA, and how PA may result in psychological and physiological benefits for children in K-12 public schools. The researchers explored in this synthesis-based presentation stress four critical themes regarding the inclusion of PA for K-12 students throughout the school day: the potential academic benefits of incorporating physical activity into teachers’ lesson plans, the physiological benefits children may derive from PA, the potential benefits of PA for children with special needs, and finally, ways in which parents and teachers may support children in increasing their PA participation.
Keywords: Physical activity, psychological, physiological, K-12, Public School
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
PFB 114
2:00 – 2:30 PM