PARENTS and educators are always on the lookout for that special programme or approach that will enhance learning in children.
The vocabulary of schooling has expanded to embrace a wide variety of "best" approaches, such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Montessori, and more. We are encouraged to send our children for tutoring. We are told that this packaged programme, or that series of textbooks, or those technological resources are the be all and end all. No wonder we are confused. However, there is one, low-cost, readily available strategy that has been proven to consistently improve student performance and help children maintain focus during the school day. It is called "exercise."
Researchers in Canada and the United States have found strong evidence of a significant positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance. A recent study indicated that this could be because exercise helps cognition by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Physical activity could also reduce stress and improve mood, making children more likely to focus and engage in the classroom. Canadian schools are just beginning to track the effects of physical activity on learning. In one school, math scores jumped by 23 per cent compared to falling two per cent for those who did no gym activity. Writing scores were up 60 per cent and reading 23 per cent, compared to falling 13 per cent and increasing only nine per cent for those who were not active. At Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School, we take this research to heart, building regular physical education and outdoor activity into our daily routines. Our gym and playing fields are in constant use during the school day and our staff take an active interest in keeping their students moving and shaking to support their academic pursuits. The level of energy is infectious, and the results for learning are very positive. School and learning are fun.
After all, too many of us spend our adult lives chained to a desk in a dreary office building, let's not impose it on our children. Regular physical activity is the key to both a healthy lifestyle and academic success. Let's go for it!
