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Evidence proves that when physical activity is integrated in the school day, kids perform better academically.
(PRWEB) February 13, 2014
Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Blue & You Foundation For A Healthier Arkansas announced today, at Little Rock Bale Elementary School, a co-sponsorship of GoNoodle for elementary schools in Arkansas. GoNoodle is a new interactive resource used in classrooms to increase students’ physical activity and improve their academic performance.
Childhood obesity is still the leading health issue affecting kids, and if left unaddressed projected to impact 60 percent of Arkansans by 2030, according to a 2012 report by Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity is a key ingredient in combating the obesity epidemic. Today, less than 25 percent of youth in Arkansas achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. GoNoodle gets kids up and moving in the classroom, delivering short bursts of interactive physical activity, or brain breaks, right next to students’ desks. Research proves the positive benefits of physical activity on student behavior, engagement and achievement.
“We are excited to work with schools to incorporate creative moments of physical activity that will enhance student performance while also improving the health of Arkansas’ kids,” said Marcy Doderer, FACHE, president and CEO of Arkansas Children’s Hospital. “Arkansas Children’s Hospital is pleased to partner with the Blue & You Foundation to make GoNoodle available to elementary schools across the state.”
“Evidence proves that when physical activity is integrated in the school day, kids perform better academically. We believe physical activity is not an interruption of the learning process, but rather, an integral part of learning,” said Patrick O’Sullivan, executive director of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas. “That’s why we’re so excited about the impact this partnership is going to have on the approximately 25,000 children across the state who will get to experience the fun activities that GoNoodle offers right in their classrooms.”
"If we truly are to Put Children First, education of the whole student must be a priority. We appreciate the opportunity to work with stakeholders - Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Blue & You Foundation - who are equally committed to the health and wellbeing of our children," said LRSD Superintendent Dr. Dexter Suggs.
"GoNoodle is such a great resource to get our kids up and moving in the classroom,” said Sarah Perkins, preK-5th grade PE/ Health teacher, Little Rock Bale Elementary School. “By using these 'brain breaks' our students are able to burn some energy and refocus themselves for the next activity. Plus, it's fun!”
GoNoodle delivers a variety of fun, interactive brain breaks, providing students with measurable minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. GoNoodle brain breaks include running, dancing, stretching and even calming exercises, along with games that incorporate spelling, vocabulary and math with physical activity.
Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Blue & You Foundation are joined by Mercy in northwest Arkansas, and by CHRISTUS St. Michael in southwest Arkansas, in making GoNoodle available to Arkansas elementary schools. Arkansas teachers can learn more by visiting gonoodle.com or by emailing arkansas(at)gonoodle(dot)com.
About Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric medical center in Arkansas and one of the largest in the United States serving children from birth to age 21. Over the past century, ACH has grown to span 29 city blocks and house 370 beds, a staff of approximately 500 physicians, 80 residents in pediatrics and pediatric specialties and more than 4,000 employees. The private, nonprofit healthcare facility boasts an internationally renowned reputation for medical breakthroughs and intensive treatments, unique surgical procedures and forward-thinking medical research - all dedicated to fulfilling our mission of enhancing, sustaining and restoring children's health and development. For more information, visit http://www.archildrens.org.
About Blue & You Foundation
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield established the Blue & You Foundation in 2001 as a charitable foundation to promote better health in Arkansas. The Blue & You Foundation awards grants annually to non-profit or governmental organizations and programs that positively affect the health of Arkansans. In its 12 years of operation, the Blue & You Foundation has awarded nearly $19 million to 423 health improvement programs in Arkansas. The application deadline for the foundation’s next funding cycle is Jul. 15, 2014. For more information about the grant application process, visit the foundation Web site at http://www.BlueAndYouFoundationArkansas.org.
About GoNoodle
GoNoodle is a research-based classroom resource for elementary teachers to improve student engagement and youth health through interactive desk-side physical activity breaks. Helping to increase energy and focus while improving classroom behavior, GoNoodle’s games can be played on an interactive whiteboard, projector or computer screen. Learn more at gonoodle.com.