Brain Blasters: A Pilot Study Designed To Enhance the Utilization Of Classroom Physical Activity
Abstract
Utilizing classroom physical activity (PA) resources is one method that can increase PA and has been found to improve on-task behavior as well as academic performance. Based on surveys/interviews with teachers in the Omaha metro a pilot program entitled “Brain Blasters” was developed. The program focused on increasing teacher’s knowledge of classroom PA resources and ways to overcome reported barriers for utilizing PA in their classroom. The pilot was executed in two elementary classrooms in the Omaha metro area. The pilot consisted of identifying a PA champion within each school to promote the program, conducting a 45-minute training, and sending weekly resources via e-mails, videos, and teacher mailboxes with in the school. The evaluation consisted of both quantitative and qualitative measures. Results found teachers had a positive view of the project and the majority found the resources to be helpful. Future classroom PA promotion efforts should work with school personnel to identify the best methods for delivering resources to each particular school.