Why is stillness and movement needed in school?

Editor's note: This is the first in an occasional series on healthy schools.

Children in school are constantly being told to "sit still." Teachers and parents expect children to sit still and complete assignments. "Sit still and talk to friends during lunchtime." "Sit still and finish your work."

While stillness does have its benefits in school, those that strive to optimize a student's academic, social, and emotional development understand that there is a place for both movement and stillness throughout the school day.

A growing amount of research has suggested that children (and adults) benefit greatly from movement and exercise. Movement can help improve cognitive ability and focus; reduces anxiety and improves mood; and can help a student think. And there are of course the many physical health benefits.  Schools can't (and shouldn't) promote movement all the time in school (again, stillness has its rightful place), but physical education classes, recess, and movement breaks throughout the day all provide outlets for activity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has acknowledged the crucial role of recess in improving academic performance, focus, and social skills. A successful recess allows for child-directed play within a structured, safe environment. Recess is essential, and outside recess even better; because most children enjoy being outside, it becomes an excellent motivator for physical activity. However, with so many things to get through in a school day in so little time, and a push to improve academics, recess is often the first thing to be cut. Ironically, cutting recess to improve academics may in fact have a negative effect, as it is an essential component to academic and social success.

Often children who can most benefit from recess — the children who fidget, can't sit still, or don't complete their assignments in a timely manner —often lose recess privileges as a consequence of this "bad behavior," when in fact, participation in recess will likely improve these behaviors. Additionally, these "fidgety" children may actually benefit from being permitted to move while performing academic tasks.

A recent study found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder performed better on cognitive and memory tasks when they were permitted to move (although this finding did not hold true for children without ADHD). So, those "fidgety" children may benefit from more movement throughout the day, whether it is at recess or while completing academics.

Movement benefits all children. Let's challenge the assumption that sitting still throughout the entire school day is a necessary condition for thought, creativity, and work completion, because the exact opposite is often true. That said, there is a place for stillness in schools in the form of quiet reflection and meditation. In my next article, I will discuss the recent research on meditation and stillness in schools. But for right now, the take home:

In the words of Michelle Obama, "Let's Move!"

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