The Benefits of Exercise for Student Success:

As we begin a new school year, we want to highlight an important way you can support your child's academic success: physical activity. While we all know that exercise is good for physical health, a growing body of research shows a strong connection between being active and improved attention, thinking skills, and academic performance.

Recent studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro found:

• Just nine minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) significantly improved test scores in children aged 9 to 12. 
• Researchers Eric Drollette and Jennifer Etnier found that after a brief exercise break of air squats, high knees, jumping jacks, and lunges, students scored higher on a verbal comprehension test. 
• The study also used brain scans to show that the exercise helped children recover more effectively from mistakes by reducing their mental fixation on errors.

Other research supports these findings, showing that regular physical activity can:

• Improve Cognitive Function: Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which supports the development of neurons and improves cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and attention.
• Enhance On-Task Behavior: Studies have found that students who take short "brain breaks" of physical activity are more focused and engaged in the classroom.
• Boost Overall Academic Achievement: A positive relationship has been found between physical fitness and higher achievement in subjects like math and reading.

We encourage you to make physical activity a regular part of your child's daily routine, whether it's through organized sports, family walks, or a quick burst of jumping jacks before homework. By prioritizing exercise, you're not only supporting your child's physical well-being but also giving them a powerful tool for success in the classroom.