GRAND
RAPIDS, Mich., May 23, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to learning, it turns out recess may
be an important element, as exercise helps increase cognitive
function. At Quest Charter Academy in Taylor, Michigan, a partner school of National
Heritage Academies (NHA), a new initiative is underway to help get
students moving. The school's Student Wellness Team has joined
forces with Communities in Schools (CIS) to give recess and outdoor
activities a boost. The goal is to bring more exercise and fun into
the lives of students through play.
"Communities in Schools got a grant called Student Voices
Healthy Choices. It required positive changes in schools, leading
us to form a student wellness team," explained Stephanie Young, the CIS Site Coordinator at
Quest. "Our team brainstormed ideas, focusing on promoting physical
activity among students."
This initiative comes at a crucial time. According to the World
Health Organization (WHO), children ages 5-17 should engage in at
least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each
day. Regular exercise not only reduces symptoms of depression and
anxiety but also improves cognitive functions such as thinking,
learning, and judgment.
Eighth-grade student Cameron
Cobb, a member of the Student Wellness Team, explained the
group's decision-making process when it came to the project.
"Everyone had unique ideas. We surveyed students, interviewed the
principal, and narrowed down our options."
After a lot of research and debate, the team decided to
transform the school blacktop with permanent games. "We painted
activities like Four Square, hopscotch, and football," explained
Young. "These activities provide easy ways for student to get
physical exercise during recess and free time."
Some of the other games include Color Rush, a racetrack, and
Flower Jump, which are great for students of all ages. Cobb shared,
"Color Rush is inspired by a game on Roblox. It's a bunch of
different colored hexagons on the ground, and when someone yells
out a color, everyone has to run to it. If you're too slow, you're
out."
When members of the Student Wellness Team presented their plan,
they shared why the project was so important for students.
"Students can get overwhelmed at school, especially middle
schoolers. Having a space outside for physical activities would
benefit all students, giving them fresh air and a way to release
excess energy."
The project's impact extends beyond physical health. Young
emphasized the link between physical activity and mental
well-being: "Exercise boosts serotonin levels, benefiting both
physical and mental health. It enhances focus and reduces stress,
crucial for academic success."
Counselor Amy Thompson,
MA, LPC, NCC also shared insights on the importance of
daily exercise. "A surprising fact about the correlation between
physical activity and mental health is the concept of 'brain
boosts' from exercise. Research shows that engaging in physical
activity can improve cognitive function and academic
performance."
Thompson recommended these tips for incorporating physical
activity into your child's life:
- Find activities they enjoy.
- Set achievable goals.
- Make physical activity a social activity by exercising with
friends or family.
Whether it's jumping, running, or simply moving, the students at
Quest Charter Academy hope the entire school will enjoy their new
blacktop games, burn energy, and return to class ready to
learn.
About National Heritage Academies:
National Heritage
Academies (NHA) is a network of 101 tuition-free, public charter
schools across nine states, serving more than 68,000 students in
kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information,
visit nhaschools.com. To find the nearest charter school near you,
use the NHA school finder.
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SOURCE National Heritage Academies