Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on what physical activity is, the important role of physical activity in children’s development, and how physical activity is supported differently across the school years. It explains how physical activity supports cognitive function, academic achievement, and well-being. The book also focuses on how to approach intervention selection, including what educational and psychological qualities educators should consider. Some programs focus on improving student’s mental health outcomes by introducing physical activity with counseling and related therapeutic approaches. While children’s health issues related to the decline in physical activity are often discussed in the popular media, many other outcomes are often overlooked. The dilemma of how to increase physical activity in school-aged children has centered on how to find more time for physical education and recess while maintaining children’s academic instructional time.