Physical Active Learning for Primary Schools

Effect of Classroom-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Academic and Physical Activity Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Amanda Watson, Anna Timperio, Helen Brown, Keren Best, Kylie D. Hesketh

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 studies on classroom physical activity. Finds active lessons improve on-task behavior and some academic scores without harming learning. Teachers can add short movement breaks or active tasks into regular lessons to support behavior and achievement.

Classroom-Based Physical Activity, Cognition, and Academic Achievement

Joseph E. Donnelly, Kate Lambourne

Narrative review plus results from the PAAC trial. Summarizes evidence that movement in class can support fitness, healthy weight, thinking skills, and academic scores. Gives guidance on using frequent, short active lessons as part of everyday teaching in elementary grades.

Classroom-Based Physical Activity Improves Children’s Math Achievement – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mona Have, Jacob Have Nielsen, Martin Thomsen Ernst, Anne Kaer Gejl, Kjeld Fredens, Anders Grøntved, Peter Lund Kristensen

Cluster randomized controlled trial in Danish 1st grade classes. Math lessons included movement for nine months. Children in active classes improved math scores more than controls. Teachers can link math tasks with actions such as jumping, stepping, or moving around the room.

Effects of a Classroom-Based Program on Physical Activity and On-Task Behavior

Matthew T. Mahar, Sheila K. Murphy, David A. Rowe, Jeannie Golden, A. Tamlyn Shields, Thomas D. Raedeke

Quasi-experimental study of "Energizers" active lessons in US elementary classrooms. After 10‑minute activity sessions, students showed higher time-on-task than on non‑activity days. Teachers can insert short active academic games to quickly improve attention and behavior.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Learning Behaviors in Elementary School Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Susan P. Harvey, Kate Lambourne, Jerry L. Greene, Cheryl A. Gibson, Jaehoon Lee, Joseph E. Donnelly

Randomized controlled trial from the PAAC project showing that classroom active lessons improved teacher-rated learning behaviors in students with attention and engagement difficulties, suggesting movement-based teaching supports on-task behavior.