physical activity
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Fighting the ‘Summer Slide’ with physical activity

Originally published May 9, 2018 by WFLA.com News Channel 8

By Evan Donovan

The “Summer Slide” isn’t just about kids losing some of what they learn in the classroom, it can happen to the body almost as easily as the mind.

“Whether it’s [physical education] class, recess, the day to day structure of extracurricular activity when they’re in school,” said Jarrod Williams, Youth Sports Advisor for YMCA USA, “it all falls by the wayside in the summer months. That ‘physical’ aspect of the summer slide is backed up by research.”

Physical activity has been linked to better brain function and can help keep the mind sharp, particularly as people age. Read More

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One Hour of Exercise for Smarter, Healthier Iowa Kids

Originally published April 16, 2018 in the Public News Service.

By Roz Brown, Public News Service, Iowa

The American Heart Association recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity for school-aged children. But most Iowa kids aren’t meeting that goal.

That one hour of activity is known to help keep weight off and improve kids’ mental and emotional health – which in turn can improve academic performance. But Iowa schools don’t require recess periods, where kids might get that exercise.  Read More

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School gets results by teaching reading in PE

Originally published Jan. 25, 2018 by Interlochen Public Radio.

By MORGAN SPRINGER

A growing body of research says more physically active kids do better in school. But, across the country, time for [physical educatinon] class and recess has been replaced with more sedentary time in classrooms. Traverse City Central Grade School is doing the opposite though, giving kids more exercise to help boost their reading scores.

Movement Lab

It’s a Wednesday morning in the gym at Central Grade. Physical education teacher Mary Radecki puts on music and nearly 20 kindergarteners hurry off to different stations in the gym. Movement lab has started.  Read More

education
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Crystal Lake-based School District 155 considering 3-day-a-week PE

Originally published Jan. 24, 2018 in the Northwest Herald.

Effects of PE law vary among local districts

By Mike Mallory

Parents, physical education teachers and health professionals have shown up to back-to-back meetings of the Community High School District 155 Board to warn the district of potential negatives if it were to offer students a three-day-a-week PE class schedule.

The district is beginning to explore the idea after state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1947 on Aug. 31. It is a bill regarding school funding, but one that – among other things – allows districts to cut down on physical education classes if they so choose.

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