'Movement Lab' Uses Physical Activity on Students to Produce Better Readers

In Traverse City, Central Grade School - an action based learning program called "Movement Lab," incorporates different physical drills to actually improve students reading ability. Ever since starting the program, Central Grade has improved their national reading scores by 20 percent.

Students receive 50 minutes of recess per day, in addition to two movement lab classes for at least 30 minutes per session with the exception of the kindergarten and first graders attending three times a week.

Once the students complete their gym time, they immediately move into their classrooms to begin their reading activities. The students are actually attentive and ready to learn.

"Exercise makes brain cells, and we know that healthy, active children make better learners," Radecki (Physical Education teacher) says, explaining the basic thinking behind the program.

Click here to read more from interlochenroadio.org.