Research to Practice: Integrating physical activity into preschool classroom academic lessons promotes daily physical activity and improves literacy
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Poor early literacy skills and obesity in preschool children have been associated with poor academic achievement later in life.There is limited evidence to suggest a relationship between physical and improved literacy, and decreased obesity in older children (Carlson et al., 2008).However, little is known about the effects of increasing physical activity on literacy skills in preschool children.This article summarizes the effects of academic lessons taught using physical activity on literacy skills of preschool students enrolled in Head Start.The results showed that by increasing physical activity in the preschool classroom, children were more physically active during free play, and showed improvement in literacy skills compared to non-exercising classrooms.Therefore, physical activity academic lessons are cost effective, require minimal teacher preparation, and result in improved academic scores and lower body weight.
Authors: Stacie M. Kirk, Wendy W. Fuchs, Erik P. Kirk
Institution: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2201647152