Many children spent much less time being active during the pandemic, and whilst the numbers seem to have risen again to match pre-pandemic levels, still only 47% of children are meeting the recommended time. Everyone in the world of PE knows how important physical activity is, for mental health as well as physical health. Did you also know regular short bursts of physical activity throughout the school day also improves concentration, confidence and behaviour?
North Yorkshire Sport took this information and ran with it (pun intended)! In the 2018/19 academic year, they carried out a study looking at the impact regular physical activity could have on academic achievement. From the start of the school year, the school they worked with implemented a rule where no child should sit (be inactive) for longer than 20 minutes at a time. This proved to have such a positive impact on attainment, behaviour and concentration, that they decided to continue with it during SATs week, and even give children breaks during the tests.
Whilst this may seem radical, with lots of practice it had a huge impact: prior to this study, the school had not been above national average in their results for four years, but the results in 2019 bucked that trend and they exceeded national average in every subject. You can read about the study in more detail, here.
So how can you make some changes in your school with such little time before SATs week begins? We have come up with some simple ideas that may have a big impact!
➔ Start the day with an activity to wake the brain up – a dance to copy from YouTube or a game like Top Trumps work really well for this.
➔ Take regular 5 minute breaks where the children are not sitting on their chairs. Even just a quick stand up and stretch can make a big difference.
➔ Get the children to think of their own ideas for 5 minute brain breaks. Top tip: put every child’s name on a lollipop stick in a pot and pick a name out at random.
➔ Wherever possible, ensure children do not miss their break or lunchtimes. This time to let loose is really important. If you’re not sure how to structure your playground to aid ultimate activity levels, take a look at our Active Playground Pack.
➔ End the day with an activity. It will help the children refresh their brains ready for the next day. We’ve created a great resource to help with this. Download it here.
We wish you all the best during SATs week!
#JoinTheMission
