What the Research Says
What is DPA?
DPA Fidelity & Barriers
School boards must ensure that all elementary school students have a minimum of 20 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each school day during instructional time.
Research suggests only 50% of teachers are
implementing DPA as of 2015.
What are the benefits of classroom physical activity?
What are the benefits of physical activity for children & youth?
- Improves student concentration and ability to stay on-task
- Reduces disruptive behaviour
- Improves motivation and engagement
- Improves academic performance (higher grades and test scores)
- Increases amount of daily physical activity
- Improves thinking and cognition
- Facilitates weight management
- Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Increases your chances of living longer
- Helps manage chronic health conditions
Articles
Academic achievement and physical activity: A meta-analysis
Classroom-based physical activity, cognition, and academic achievement
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Exercise Modifications
Jumping Jacks
Push Ups
Sit Ups
Burpees
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
Jumping Jack Arms
Seated Chest Press
Seated Chest to knees
Touch Toes and Touch SKy
Squats
Lunges
High Knees
Jogging
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
Seated Elbows to Knees
Side Stretch
Reach Up and Down (Alternating Arms)
Running Arms
Jumping
Toe touches
Leg Kicks
Stomping
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
substitute with:
Reach up and Down (both arms)
Seated Knee touches
Arm Punches
Clapping
General Adaptations
- If an activity heavily requires the use of legs and the student is chair bound, encourage them to do just the upper body movements and/or upper body modifications (such as the ones suggested above)
- Encourage students to go at their own pace and take frequent breaks
- For students with special education needs, exercises should be adapted in accordance with accommodations / modifications outlines in their Individual Education Plans
Additional Links
Here is a compilation of popular YouTube channels and websites to help your students get moving!
