Beatrice Hesseltine, center, and her classmates in Alyssa Saunders’ kindergarten class take a movement break during class at Vergennes Union Elementary School in Vergennes, Vt., on Nov. 19, 2024.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week

Student Well-Being Series

Get Active: Creative Ways to Integrate Movement and Learning

Amidst teacher shortages and growing class sizes, pandemic learning losses and mounting behavioral issues, it can feel overwhelming trying to incorporate one more thing into the school day. But the connection between movement and health (not only physical, but also mental) is well established, and educators who incorporate activity into their classrooms are seeing the benefits—from fewer behavioral issues, to greater student engagement, and more productive lessons.

This fall, Education Week set out to examine how teachers are incorporating movement into their classrooms, in ways both big and small, as well as what some of the barriers (and benefits) are to doing so. In this solutions-focused visual reporting package, which will roll out over the coming months, educators share their ideas for incorporating movement across grade levels and subject matter. Follow along to experience their unique approaches and compelling ideas designed to offer inspiration for any classroom.

Our latest story: Movement Breaks Aren’t Just for Kids—Teachers Need Them Too

More stories will be added in the coming weeks. Bookmark this page and check back for new content.

Assistant Principal Beth Bearor and kindergartener Rhys Gallup practice letters and letter sounds while walking through a rope ladder during P.E. teacher Robyn Newton’s action-based learning class at Vergennes Union Elementary School in Vergennes, Vt., on Nov. 18, 2024.

This School Keeps Kids Moving All Day. See How It Works

Inside a school where movement is woven into academics throughout the day.

Watch Video

Students in Melissa Haggett’s first grade class start the day dancing along with Snoop Dogg’s affirmations video at Vergennes Union Elementary School in Vergennes, Vt., on Nov. 18, 2024.

Teachers, Try This: Combine Movement and Academics in the Classroom

A P.E. teacher shares some ideas for incorporating movement into the classroom for greater student engagement and more effective lessons.

Watch Video

Fourth grade students visit The Superior School Forest in Foxboro, Wis., on Oct. 28, 2024.

Teachers, Try This: Take Classroom Lessons Into the Wild

This Wisconsin district utilizes its school forest to translate classroom lessons into the outdoors.

Watch Video

Student James Mason participates in an ice breaker during a film studies class at Weber High School taught by teacher, Mark Daniels, on Jan. 13, 2025 in Pleasant View, Utah. Daniels incorporates a lot of movement with students during all of his classes.

Teachers, Try This: Activities to Build Classroom Culture and Connection

This theatre teacher incorporates movement into his lessons to enhance student connection. Here's how other teachers can do the same.

Watch Video

Members of eMotion Breakdance bring rehearsal outside during a fire drill at Bellaire High School on Nov. 21, 2024, in Houston.

Teachers, Try This: Use Dance to Boost Engagement and Learning

From physics to math, this dance teacher shows how incorporating movement can increase student engagement and understanding.

Watch Video

Victoria Jorden, a 3rd grade teacher at Gray Court-Ownings School, leads students through a yoga exercise during class in Gray Court, S.C., on Dec. 10, 2024.

These Simple Classroom Exercises Can Improve Student Behavior

Incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices in the classroom has helped these students recover from the trauma of Hurricane Helene.

Watch Video

How One School Transformed Early Release Days With Outdoor Learning

This Vermont school uses Project Wild to build school connection and social-emotional learning on early release days.

Watch Video

Flexible Seating Without the Chaos. This Teacher Has Figured It Out

This 4th grade class utilizes 11 different types of flexible seating to keep them moving throughout the day.

Watch Video

How Urban Schools Bring Lessons to Life Through Gardening

School gardens can connect classroom lessons with the wider world while offering lifelong learnings for students.

Watch Video

Fifth grader Raigan Paquin works her way across the climbing wall during teacher Robyn Newton’s P.E. class at Vergennes Union Elementary School in Vergennes, Vt., on Nov. 18, 2024.

Activate the Classroom: Tips for Incorporating Movement (DOWNLOADABLE)

Integrating movement into the classroom boosts learning, focus, and well being. Thry these strategies to get students active and engaged.

Learn More

Image of a female leaping over data bars.

Students Who Move More, Learn More (DOWNLOADABLE)

Schools and families can boost student success by reducing screen time and promoting movement throughout the day. This is what a physically active student may look like.

Learn More

Students in Robyn Newton’s P.E. class run across the gym at Vergennes Union Elementary School in Vergennes, Vt., on Nov. 18, 2024.

Test Your Knowledge: The Role of Physical Activity in Schools

Regular movement boosts student focus, cognitive skills, and academic success. Test your knowledge of physical activity in schools.

Learn More

Female teacher around a group of diverse elementary school students holding different plants

How to Grow a School Garden on a Budget

Start a school garden with repurposed materials, community support, and creative learning—indoors or out—on any budget.

Learn More

Photograph of middle school students and their female teacher planting in their school's garden.

Tips for Turning a School Garden Into a Rich Learning Opportunity

School gardens boost learning by blending academics with hands-on skills like SEL, finance, and community involvement.

Learn More

Kindergarteners Jack Rockwell, 6, Cameron Kenney, 6, and Joey Cournoyer, 5, play on the school’s new swing as classmates wait their turn at Taft Early Learning Center in Uxbridge, Mass., on March 12, 2025.

Research Says Recess Is Important. What Stands in the Way?

Recess, and unstructured play, is essential for development for children, but equity issues can abound.

Teacher Jazzmyne Townsend works with students during a small group reading lesson at Stanton Elementary School in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2025.

Movement Breaks Aren’t Just for Kids—Teachers Need Them Too

Teachers who integrate movement into their daily routines can enhance their well-being and effectiveness.

Explore more stories from our archive:

Project Leads: Laura Baker, Jaclyn Borowski

Designers and videographers: Kaylee Domzalski, Sam Mallon, Lauren Santucci, Vanessa Solis, Gina Tomko

Reporters: Alyson Klein, Brooke Schultz, Sarah Sparks

Reprints, Photocopies and Licensing of Content

All content on Education Week's websites is protected by copyright. No part of this publication shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of the copyright holder. Readers may make up to 5 print copies of this publication at no cost for personal, non-commercial use, provided that each includes a full citation of the source. For additional print copies, or for permission for other uses of the content, visit www.edweek.org/help/reprints-photocopies-and-licensing-of-content or email reprints@educationweek.org and include information on how you would like to use the content. Want to seamlessly share more EdWeek content with your colleagues? Contact us today at pages.edweek.org/ew-for-districts-learn-more.html to learn about how group online subscriptions can complement professional learning in your district or organization.

Get Active: Creative Ways to Integrate Movement and Learning

Videos

Downloadable Resources

Stories

Related

Get Active: Creative Ways to Integrate Movement and Learning

Videos

Downloadable Resources

Stories

Related

Sign Up for The Savvy Principal