Kinetic Classrooms for All Learners

Christopher Denning, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Special Education and Co-Chair for the Department of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Throughout his career, he has supported children with diverse abilities to find success in school through a focus on physical health, academic achievement, and social engagement.Laura Hayden, EdD, is an Associate Professor and the Inaugural Director of the Mental Performance Consulting program at William James College, Newton, MA. Throughout her career, she has championed research and practice at the intersection of physical, mental, and social health, with a commitment to understanding how societal and cultural variables impact holistic development.Joseph N. Cooper, PhD, is the Dr. J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair of Sport Leadership and Administration (SLA) and Founding Executive Director of the New Balance Institute for Innovative Leadership in Sport (I2LS) at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

“This book is an essential for physical activity teachers in schools as well as those who teach in non-school sport settings, and want to ensure that all children are not just welcome, but benefit from their participation. If that wasn’t enough, the authors have provided those who administer and support these programs a roadmap for navigating the sometimes muddled maze of communicating with parents, funding agencies, and policy makers.”Bryan McCullick, Ph.D., FNAK, Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Mary Francis Early College of Education, University of Georgia, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Journal of Teaching in Physical Education (JTPE)“This is a timely text that highlights the importance of physical activity not only for the obvious physical benefits but for the many other social and education benefits. The diverse group of authors share detailed research showing the positive effects of physical activity for children both during the day and afterschool. More importantly, this is one of the few books that provides practical information on how to incorporate physical activity throughout the school day across different ages from preschool through high school. This text will be an important contribution to the literature that can be used by administrators and school boards interested in promoting physical activity as well as researchers interested studying the broad effects of physical activity for children.”Martin Block, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia“In an era when physical inactivity characterizes the youth of this country, promoting physical activity has been a missing feature of education programs for children and youth in this country. In this edited text, the authors heighten the awareness of the immediate and co-occurring benefits of increased physical activity and, importantly, provide valuable guidance for embedding it as a critical feature of education for all students. This book directly addresses this timely challenge.”Samuel L. Odom, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill“Early and elementary educators everywhere are seeking support for ever-growing concerns about students’ diminished socio-emotional literacy. They are hungry for tools to engage both neurotypical and neurodivergent students conjointly; and in ways promoting cognition and executive functioning equally. This meaningful text does not merely proclaim physical activity as a possible solution to such endemic issues in schools, it explains how increased physical activity in school is necessary. It will empower educators to effectively shift their approach.”Jordan Binder, EEC Director-qualified, Lead Preschool Teacher for the Town of Concord“This text brings together multiple perspectives and disciplines to thoroughly outline the importance of physical activity being integrated into academics across all schools and grade levels. It is a must read for teachers! Upon reading these pages, readers will be left with no choice but to argue in favor of helping our youth be successful, engage more willingly and with more focus in classroom learning, and understand their physical bodies better.”Krysta Johnson, MBA, NASM-CPT, Orangetheory Fitness Head Coach, Parent & Community Member

• 0. Introduction Part 1: Understanding the Importance of Physical Activity 1. Move More, Live Better: The Transformative Benefits of Physical Activity 2. The Benefits of Physical Activity in School Systems 3. Ensuring Access to Physical Activity for Students with Motor Differences or Delays 4. Specific Benefits and Challenges for Students Living in Under-Resourced Communities Part 2: Integrating Physical Activity into Practice in School Settings 5. Creating Opportunities for Physical Activity in Early Childhood Programs and at Home 6. Creating Movement Opportunities in Elementary Schools 7. The Sweet Spot: Balancing Mind, Body, and Belonging in Middle School Sport 8. Active Minds, Active Bodies: Physical Activity in High School Education Part 3: Ensuring Success 9. Strategies to Impact Policy and Practice: Advocating for Underserved Communities 10. Strategies for Supporting Connections with Families and Caregivers 11. Beyond the Classroom: Inclusive Community-Based Approaches to Sport and Physical Activity