A new study, conducted by the University of South Australia, found that regular exercise could be “a powerful intervention” in the ongoing efforts to better support children and young people’s mental health. Researchers determined in the largest meta-analysis involving 38,000 young people that consistent, structured movement improved symptoms of both anxiety and depression. More specifically, the study discovered: Anxiety- [...]
Working more moving into the day can be challenging but doesn't have to be impossible. Start by making a transition full of powerful moving rather than the typical bubbles-mouth-line plan. If there is no one else in the hall, moving like bears to the music room can be powerful and set kids up (and [...]
Banning tag doesn't fix the problem. It hides it. Schools across the country are eliminating tag from playgrounds, citing concerns about rough play and collisions. But removing the game sidesteps the question that actually matters: why are children struggling to control their bodies in the first place? The answer is sedentary time. Children today [...]
Ask any veteran teacher, they will likely tell you they are seeing more challenges with self-regulation, self-control, and behavior than ever before. What are some schools doing? Check out these out: John Adams Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia started a physical activity program many years ago for children who struggled with these challenges by [...]
In 2021, I met Pat Rumbaugh, aka the Play Lady, in one of the U.S. Play Coalition Conference Zoom Play Chats. The ever-enthusiastic Pat shared numerous play resources, but what I was most excited about was her new children's book, Let's Play Outside, which hit the shelves just last summer. Pat is a life-long play advocate [...]
