Classroom Physical Activity
Classroom Physical Activity Defined
Classroom physical activity includes physical activity (e.g., stretching, jumping, dancing) performed in the classroom.1–3 It includes integrating physical activity into academic classroom instruction as well as providing breaks from instruction specifically designed for physical activity. Classroom physical activity can take place at any time during the school day, last 5–15 minutes, and occur in one or several sessions throughout the school day.1–3
Classroom physical activity benefits students by4
- Increasing their overall physical activity.
- Improving their attention, classroom behavior, and test scores.
Resources
References (expand to view)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. School health guidelines to promote healthy eating and physical activity. MMWR. 2011;60(RR05):1–76.
- Institute of Medicine. Educating the Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical Education to School. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2013.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Guide for Developing Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2013.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health and Academic Achievement. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2014.
- Page last reviewed: June 28, 2017
- Page last updated: June 28, 2017
- Content source: