Active Start Research
Healthy children learn better
Overweight children have lower IQ test results-- up to one grade level behind their more average weight peers
Children with the lowest cognitive abilities may benefit the most from access to aerobic exercise
Play and regular physical activity improve cognitive function across the lifespan
Reduced disciplinary referrals are associated with improved fitness
20 minutes of aerobic exercise has been shown to generate new neurone growth in grade 5 students
Aerobic exercise serves to increase the level of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters help to increase focus, decrease impulsivity and serve to calm students and relieve stress
Brains low in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) shut themselves down to new learning experiences
Brain circuits involved in cognitive function overlap with these relating to motor functions. Promoting one system can engage the other
Bouts of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise may improve cognitive control of attention-- therefore increasing ability to focus on cognitive tasks!
85% of our students are dominantly kinaesthetic learners
Extra physical activity time for elementary students resulted in greater control of attention during instruction
Effects of play deprivation include over reactions to benign social contacts and an inability to solve social problems
Cross-lateral movements (crawling, cup stacking, dancing or juggling) have been found to improve reading rates and comprehension by activating and re-establishing communication between booths ides of the brain
In one study, 90% of teachers reported that yoga also improved student academic performance. Students reported feeling calmer for tests, able to concentrate and more focused and confident.
In Finland, some schools have 15 minute activity times after every hour of class time. Their students score in the top percentage of International tests results.
Set your students up for success, give them an Active Start!