ERIC Number: EJ1285477
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Feb
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-1890
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
"Walkabouts" Integrated Physical Activities from Preschool to Second Grade: Feasibility and Effect on Classroom Engagement
Vazou, Spyridoula; Long, Katharine; Lakes, Kimberley D.; Whalen, Nicolle L.
Child & Youth Care Forum, v50 n1 p39-55 Feb 2021
Background: An evolving literature demonstrates that physical activity in the classroom represents a promising avenue not only for increasing the physical activity of youth but also for facilitating academic achievement and classroom engagement. However, structured physical activity programs that make clear connections with the academic standards across different grades are limited. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the "Walkabouts", a web-based physically active learning program, on attention and behavioral control of children. Method: Twelve preK to 2nd grade classes (N = 245 students) were assigned to the intervention (integrating "Walkabouts" with academics) or control (no added movement) group. Teacher ratings of students' attention and behavioral control in the classroom were collected before and after the 7-week intervention in both groups. Treatment fidelity was monitored through observations and daily teacher logs. Results: Teachers perceived the Walkabouts to be feasible, physically active, of appropriate difficulty, and enjoyable for the students. MANOVAs showed a significant time by group interaction, meaning that the intervention group improved significantly more, compared to the control group, in both attention and behavioral control whereas the control group declined over time. A significant time by group by grade interaction showed that the benefit of Walkabouts was larger for the Kindergarten students. Conclusions: Integrating movement with academic subjects with programs such as the Walkabouts, may facilitate learning and academic achievement by increasing cognitive and behavioral control in the classroom. Schools can focus on academic achievement goals without sacrificing physical activity throughout the school day.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Integrated Activities, Primary Education, Feasibility Studies, Learner Engagement, Academic Achievement, Instructional Effectiveness, Active Learning, Attention Control, Student Behavior
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A