GoNoodle’s ‘brain break’ helps U-46 kids reenergize during school day
Chronicle Media — January 19, 2016
The online program, called “GoNoodle,” offers creative ways teachers and students can combine physical activity with academic lessons and avoid sitting all day.
Elementary students in the state’s second largest district are combating the perils of a sedentary lifestyle with a program that aims to help students re-energize through more frequent activity during the school day.
The online program, called “GoNoodle,” offers creative ways teachers and students can combine physical activity with academic lessons and avoid sitting all day.
“GoNoodle incorporates movement in the classroom while learning or reinforcing concepts,” said Tracey Jakaitis, U-46 Student Wellness Coordinator. “We have increased the amount of classroom movement to almost eight minutes a day. Teachers and parents agree this program is life changing for our students.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends children get at least 60 minutes or more of activity each day. CDC defines physical activity in three different ways: aerobic, which should make up most of the 60 minutes per day, muscle strengthening and bone strengthening, of which both should be included three days a week. GoNoodle provides all three for students.
Besides a break for recess or scheduled gym time, students often sit through their entire school day. GoNoodle aims to give students an outlet for physical fitness during academics, just like many adults try to walk more steps each day or work from a standing desk.
A donation from AMITA Health and a nearly $1,400 grant from Kane County Fit for Kids funds the GoNoodle program, valued at about $50,000, at all U-46 elementary schools. The program gives teachers access to a website that provides activities and videos aligned to core subjects such as math, vocabulary and geography. The three-year grant is set to end in December 2018.
Another recent grant will help the district incorporate GoNoodle resources to improve student health. In October 2015, U-46 schools were among about 300 schools in 12 states that received funds as part of more than $1.4 million in school breakfast and physical activity grants awarded through the nonprofit organization Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK).
Twelve schools received a $1,000 grant to purchase equipment and resources necessary to teach nutrition education in a PE classroom. All elementary PE teachers will also receive professional development on how to incorporate nutrition education into their classroom without removing activity time. Teachers can turn to their GoNoodle resources to meet the grant’s goal of increasing student activity each day.
Since the August onset of the GoNoodle program, 823, or more than 90 percent of elementary teachers across the district, have used GoNoodle activities to help students re-charge each morning, take a `brain break,’ or as a reward for good behavior.
Teachers report it’s easy to incorporate and fun for both them and their students. Elementary students have moved an extra 30,000 minutes a month through the GoNoodle program.
Tarren Cedillo, a second-grade teacher at Sycamore Trails Elementary in Bartlett, has seen a significant difference in her students after using the program.
“After my students wiggle, they are more focused and energized,” said Cedillo. “They are in a good mood and ready to learn again. GoNoodle gives them a break without losing any instructional time.”
Scott Park, a physical education teacher and movement interventionist at Lords Park Elementary in Elgin, was looking for a way to add physical activity time for the students during the school day.
Students can earn GoNoodle time a variety of ways, including cashing in reward points earned for good behavior, Park said.
“GoNoodle has increased motivation and encouraged positive behavior in our students,” said Park. “By incorporating movement into their everyday lives, we are helping a generation of kids stay healthy and that is an incredible thing.”
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: GoNoodle’s ‘brain break’ helps U-46 kids reenergize during school day —
