Standardized testing. STAR testing. CST testing. Whatever you call it, it’s that time of year. We know a healthy breakfast before testing can improve scores, but don’t forget the added power behind physical activity breaks.
Physical activity increases student achievement as demonstrated by higher grades and standardized test scores. Want increased concentration, memory, mental ability and attention spans from your students? Physical activity has been shown to improve all of these!
No time to squeeze it in? Even though physical activity may take minutes from academics, active students compensate by greater efficiency in the learning process. Even short bursts of activity can significantly improve a child’s concentration and brain function.
Here is an example of a quick activity break, or “energizer”, to try during a testing break:
Lead students to act out an imaginary field trip through California. Call out places and simulate typical actions you can do there. For example:
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Ski like you’re on a snow covered mountain in Lake Tahoe
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Adore your fans like a celebrity in Los Angeles
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Swim like a dolphin in San Diego
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Swing your bat like a San Francisco Giant
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Hike like you are climbing Half Dome in Yosemite
It is best to choose actions that will work all parts of the body. Point to places on a map of California and let students be creative and call out some of the actions!
Activities can even integrate academic concepts for all grades. For tools and energizer activity ideas, check out the following:
Remember that healthy habits like these will reap benefits not just for testing week, but all year long!
Tracy Witmer, R.D.
Territory Manager
Tracy Witmer, Registered Dietitian
About me:
Tracy Witmer is a registered dietitian and Territory Manager for Dairy Council of California. Within the districts and schools of her 10-county territory, she engages teachers to use nutrition education in the classroom and is touched by the testimonies she hears from teachers, parents and students about its impact.
Tracy volunteers her time to serve as the 2011-2012 President of the Northern Area Dietetic Association. She received her B.S. in Nutrition Science with a Minor in Spanish at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and completed her dietetic internship at CSU Fresno.
As a dietitian, Tracy enjoys dispelling misconceptions about healthy eating and encourages a positive, individual, holistic approach to nutrition. She’s convinced everyone can find ways to eat well and be active, no matter if your day is spent in a school, office, home, car, field or factory. Though she keeps it simple in the kitchen, Tracy’s adventurous spirit is evident in her eating habits. She believes no one should pass an opportunity to try new food when presented with it… at least just a bite.
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