Tommy van Steen 'Making children learn by exercising helps them on tests'
Children could do better at school if they exercise during their maths, English and science lessons, a study has suggested. Researchers reviewed 42 studies that looked at the benefits of physical activity in the classroom for youngsters.
They found children who learnt to count in lessons by jumping on the spot went on to perform better on maths tests. Results also showed children who were active in the classroom were more focused and better able to follow instructions.
Co-author Dr Tommy van Steen, assistant professor at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs of Leiden University, said the improvements came from 'quite basic physical exercises'.
He added: 'Teachers can easily incorporate these physical active lessons in the existing curriculum to improve the learning experience of students.'
University College London researchers led the review, which also involved experts from the Netherlands, Australia and Singapore.
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