ABSTRACT

In this much-needed book, you’ll learn how incorporating physical activity into the classroom can improve students’ engagement, achievement, and overall wellness. Students typically spend most of the day sitting at their desks, and many don’t have recess or PE, yet research shows that regular exercise helps stimulate brain function and improve skills such as reading, critical thinking, organization, and focus. Authors Brad Johnson and Melody Jones, who have consulted with schools across the globe on fitness issues, offer a variety of games and activities you can use to integrate exercise into any class or subject area. You’ll learn how to:

  • Create an "active classroom" with active workstations and fitness areas to keep students alert and engaged throughout the day;
  • Gradually introduce physical activities into your everyday classroom routine;
  • Use interactive technology to teach your students about health and fitness;
  • Try out a variety of activities and exercises to reduce stress, help students focus, promote teamwork, build core strength and balance, and more;
  • Make STEM classes more exciting with hands-on activities, projects, and real-world problems, all while getting your students up and moving.

These activities are easy to implement and are designed to improve one’s physical and mental capabilities, as well as increase enjoyment of learning for happier, healthier, higher-achieving students.

part I|10 pages

Introduction

part II|26 pages

Getting Started

chapter 2|8 pages

Transforming the Physical Classroom

chapter 3|8 pages

Integrating Fitness and Technology

chapter 4|8 pages

Classroom Management Concerns

part III|78 pages

Strategies to Try

chapter 5|8 pages

Activities to Reduce Stress

chapter 6|8 pages

Activities to Help Students Focus

chapter 7|8 pages

Activities to Promote Teamwork

chapter 9|9 pages

Activities to Build Core Strength

chapter 10|12 pages

Activities to Improve Balance

chapter 11|10 pages

Activities for Fun and Play

chapter 12|9 pages

Activities for Real-World STEM Instruction

chapter 13|2 pages

Afterword