By

Stacy Huffington,   Three Trails Elementary School

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Physical Activity Participation

At Three Trails Elementary in Independence, MO., our teachers have made movement a part of every day, all day long. The teachers have added activity breaks for the students throughout the day. It might be dancing, stretching, yoga, walking, and whatever else they can come up with. They have also added alternative seating so the students can stand-up, bounce, pedal, and more. Our school is taking steps to make our students more healthy and better learners. Our students' scores are going up along with their attendance. Three Trails Elementary is going places with movement and learning.

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Since starting in-class activity breaks, our attendance has been better along with students' scores. We find our students are happier and have more energy to learn. They look forward to the "brain-breaks".

How did students and adults work together as a team?

The teachers and students came up with a game plan of when to do the activities and then what activities got them up and moving.

How do you plan to make this Play last during the school year and beyond?

Our teachers love the activity breaks so we have decided as a staff to continue with our "brain-breaks" and alternative seating. This way our students are moving and learning at the same time.