Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Exploring The Connection Between Physical Activity And On-Task Behavior Of Kindergarten Students, Joann Meyer

M.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Research Projects

Increased academic demands on kindergarten students require them to be on-task for longer periods of time. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of increased physical activity breaks on kindergarten students’ on-task behavior during small group and independent center work. This mixed methods study employed an experimental design with an initial baseline phase followed by a physical activity treatment phase. Data was collected using a planned activity check observation method and observational field notes to compare on-task behavior during the two phases of the study. Data analysis indicated that physical activity breaks was associated with improved on-task …