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Remote Learning and Student Attention

In the expansive conversation surrounding COVID circumstances and educational challenges, many issues arise. I recently read an article entitled “How remote learning’s distractions put extra pressure on students with ADHD“, which offered yet another important perspective.

Within this article is the following story:

At first, [mother] asked her son to do his schoolwork before riding his bike. It was a big mistake.

“He was like, ‘Mom, I need the bike ride at the beginning of my day,’ ” she says. “And he was absolutely right.”

I applaud the child for recognizing this need, and the mother for understanding and accepting.  I would further suggest that this – the benefit of riding a bike prior to an online class session – is beneficial for every learner.  I would encourage parents and children to take advantage of the somewhat flexible scheduling surrounding remote learning to incorporate physical activity into the day.  Not only can it improve focus during educational time, it can support physical and psychological wellness.

To take a phrase from a colleague, “Yes, we can!”

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American Heart Association: Keep kids active!

It was my pleasure to speak with a staff writer from the American Heart Association about physical activity and the associations with learning preparedness, health, and the current challenges. A colleague from my first teaching job provided additional perspective for the article. One of my favorite parts of this experience was the comment from the writer when he shared the story: “Thanks…for inspiring me to move around a little bit myself.” How cool is that?!

Read the article here: How to keep kids active while learning from home – and why that’s vital

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Active Learning in a Web-Based Class

There have been many casualties, minor to monumental, surrounding COVID-19. Education, and the format in which we teach, has obviously been directly impacted. It is critical to support health and safety for protection and prevention, but the lack of face-to-face interaction and engagement during the learning process is distressing, both academically and psychologically. That said, with the restrictions put on face-to-face classes, there are benefits to facilitating real time web-based class sessions. While vastly different strategies are necessary depending upon the age of the learner, there are ways to enhance the effectiveness of web-based instruction. To capture some of the advantages of in-person education, teachers can implement online versions of active learning. Those with a social and/or movement component may be particularly beneficial to students during these challenging times.

Derek Bruff, the director of the Center for Teaching at Vanderbilt University, posted an informative article entitled Active Learning in Hybrid and Physically Distanced Classrooms that shares a multitude of techniques for engaging students in “meaningful learning” within current constraints. (Of particular interest is the sub-section on “Physical Movement” which includes an online version of an activity I refer to as Stand Up for Yes.)

Link to article: https://via.hypothes.is/https:/cft.vanderbilt.edu/2020/06/active-learning-in-hybrid-and-socially-distanced-classrooms/

You can also check out my interview on Integrating Physical Activity into Distance Education, available here.

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Staying Active during the COVID Pandemic

How to stay active during this quarantine? The simple answer here is to be active and to encourage activity. One positive result of the social isolation requirement is that people seem to be embracing the opportunity to go for a run, or a walk, or a bike ride. It is critically important to stay home and maintain social distancing, but our shelter-in-place regulations permit outdoor exercise. In the past few weeks, I have seen more people on the sidewalks than I have in the past few years. Children and parents are out for a walk. Children are on their bikes (wear a helmet!) and rollerblades while parents walk or run or push strollers. The multiple benefits gained from these activities extend past those specific to physical activity. Getting outside, especially when we’re cooped up indoors for a majority of the day, positively impacts mental health. Spending time with loved ones, away from media or screens, positively impacts social and psychological health. And, of course, engaging in physical activity is good for mental, social, psychological, and physical health.

When outdoor activity is not available, and to supplement those helmeted bike-rides, there are numerous resources available to parents and educators to promote physical activity during quarantine. (Updated September 2020)

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Active Classrooms Week: Dec. 9-13

From Active Schools…

Active Kids Learn Better!
Active Schools and our collective impact partners work year-round to encourage and support schools across the country in creating active classroom environments. Why? Because studies show that classroom physical activity helps students feel better, work together as a team, reduce anxiety and maintain focus.

To raise awareness of the importance of active classrooms, Active Classrooms Week aims to shine a spotlight on teachers and schools who incorporate physical activity into learning. From December 9-13, educators are encouraged to participate in Active Classrooms Week by showcasing ways they integrate physical activity into their classrooms and highlight the positive impact movement has on students. Teachers who don’t generally incorporate movement into classroom learning are encouraged to give it a try.

  • Educators – Share photos, videos, testimonials, ideas or best practices that show the impact movement has on students in a classroom setting.
  • Parents – If your child’s teacher integrates physical activity into the classroom, talk to them about it and share photos, videos or their feedback.

Use the hashtag #ThisIsYourBrainOnMovement and tag @ActiveSchoolsUS to share the fun!

Check out www.activeschoolsus.org/active-classrooms-week to learn more and access our toolkits full of materials to help get the word out and make the most of your week!

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New Physical Activity Guidelines

The second edition of the national physical activity guidelines was recently released with expanded and enhanced recommendations. See the full document here.

Relevant revisions include:

• Additional health benefits of physical activity related to brain health
• Immediate and longer term benefits of physical activity on how people feel, function, and sleep
• Risks of sedentary behavior and their relationship with physical activity
• Physical activity guidance for children ages 3-5 years

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Just Released: 2018 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

The National Physical Activity Plan envisions a day when Americans are physically active and live in a culture supportive of and conducive to physical activity. The first plan was released in 2010, and has evolved over the years. In 2014 and again in 2016, a report was published to “assess levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors in American children and youth, facilitators and barriers for physical activity, and related health outcomes.”

The third iteration of this report is now available. It provides an array of information relevant to anyone working with children and shares the current status of physical activity engagement about American youth. Across nine highlight areas, the top grade was a C with the lowest grade earned in “overall physical activity” at a D-. This is a disappointing result, but speaks to the continued need for promotion of classroom physical activity and facilitation of a culture of movement in schools.

Link to 2018 US Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth webpage

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Action for Healthy Kids and Active Schools Combine

Let’s Move Active Schools, the initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2013, is now part of the Action for Healthy Kids organization. As per the announcement: “This partnership leverages the strength of our aligned missions and robust networks, positioning both organizations to activate even more schools and health champions and increase our impact in schools and communities nationwide.”

Read the press release here.

The vision of Active Schools fits with the mission of Action for Healthy Kids, as both strive to increase student health. Let’s keep moving!

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