Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2015
Location
State Farm Hall, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-18-2015 11:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2015 12:00 PM
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
With the importance of standardized tests increasing in schools, teachers are starting to feel the pressure of student performance within these tests. This pressure has caused schools to cut back on time for physical education and recess leaving students to spend more time sitting at their desk. Knowing that physical activities are being cut back in the curriculum, I implemented a study to observe how brain breaks affect student behavior and engagement. I utilized these breaks during our reading time, which was at the end of our day, a time when student’s had a lack of engagement. I used observation notes, class interviews, and a list of interactive breaks to observe how student’s behavior and engagement differed before and after the break. Analysis of this data demonstrates that first grade students become re-engaged on a lesson after a quick physical movement break (content or non-content related). After these breaks students were on-task and needed very few reminders about staying focused.
Included in
Brain Breaks: An Innovative Tool to Re-Engage Students
State Farm Hall, Illinois Wesleyan University
With the importance of standardized tests increasing in schools, teachers are starting to feel the pressure of student performance within these tests. This pressure has caused schools to cut back on time for physical education and recess leaving students to spend more time sitting at their desk. Knowing that physical activities are being cut back in the curriculum, I implemented a study to observe how brain breaks affect student behavior and engagement. I utilized these breaks during our reading time, which was at the end of our day, a time when student’s had a lack of engagement. I used observation notes, class interviews, and a list of interactive breaks to observe how student’s behavior and engagement differed before and after the break. Analysis of this data demonstrates that first grade students become re-engaged on a lesson after a quick physical movement break (content or non-content related). After these breaks students were on-task and needed very few reminders about staying focused.