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Improving preschool literacy skills using physical activity

Description:
Poor early literacy skills and obesity in preschool children have been associated with poor academic achievement later in life. There is limited evidence to suggest a relationship between physical and improved literacy, and decreased obesity in older children (Carlson et al., 2008). However, little is known about the effects of increasing physical activity on literacy skills in preschool children. This article summarizes the effects of academic lessons taught using physical activity on literacy skills of preschool students enrolled in Head Start. The results showed that by increasing physical activity in the preschool classroom, children were more physically active during free play, and showed improvement in literacy skills compared to non-exercising classrooms. Therefore, physical activity academic lessons are cost effective, require minimal teacher preparation, and result in improved academic scores and lower body weight. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Country:
United States

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