County of Rockland, New York

New this year!

The 7th Annual March Forward will run for one week! Participating schools and classrooms may choose their day between

Friday, March 1, 2019 and Friday, March 8, 2019.

March Forward is Rockland County's annual school-based physical activity awareness day that takes place in March. Teachers observe March Forward by leading students in physically active "brain breaks" or by using physical activity in their lessons. Studies show a positive connection between teacher-guided physical activity in the classroom and student academic behaviors and performance. Physical activity improves concentration and memory and helps students get the recommended minimum 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

The March Forward Message:

Physical activity helps us do better in school.
Physical activity helps us look and feel our best.
Being physically active is a great way to make friends.
Be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day.

Visit this page again in January 2019 to register your school to participate. At that time, you'll also find the Participation Feedback Survey for teachers.

Videos for Short Physical Activity Breaks

Kneesy, Earsy, Nosey

Students are guided by Mr. Amazing* in touching their knees, ears and nose in a challenging sequence that crosses the mid-line of the body resulting in improved focus. (1.5 minutes)

The 7 Stages of Laughter

Mr. Amazing* gets kids laughing and back to work more relaxed and ready to learn. (1.5 minutes)

Crazy Arms

Mr. Amazing* leads students in simple arm movements that stretch the upper body while challenging the mind. (1.5 minutes)

Cross Crawl Part I

Mariola Strahlberg** and students demonstrate how to march in place while using the arms to cross the mid-line of the body resulting in more focus and concentration. (1.5 minutes)

Cross Crawl Part II

Mariola Strahlberg** and students demonstrate a more challenging mid-line movement by tapping the knee and heel. (1.5 minutes)

Physical Activity Brain Breaks: A Resource List for Classroom Activities:

Elementary School (Let's Move Active Schools/Alliance for a Healthier Generation).
Go Noodle (short movement break videos for children (K-5) to follow along to).
Keen Cat Exercises (teacher-led simple movements K-5).
Secondary School (Let's Move Active Schools/Alliance for a Healthier Generation).
3-minute Brain Breaks (quick brain teasers with movement that can be adapted for elementary and secondary)
Jammin Minute
ActivED

Additional Resources:

North Carolina Energizers (Classroom energizers K-5 and middle school by subject).
Active Academics A resource for classroom teachers to provide practical physical activity ideas.
Alliance for a Healthier Generation Fit for a Healthier Generation Video Series for classroom guided physical activity breaks.
Article: How a Growing Number of States are Hoping to Improve Kids' brains: Exercise

March Forward was created by the Steering Committee of the Rockland County School Health and Wellness Coalition and launched in 2013. Data collection materials and technology are developed and maintained by the following School Coalition community partners: Rockland County Department of Health, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Rockland Teachers' Center.

For more information about March Forward, email the Rockland County Department of Health School Health Coordinator (steindoc@co.rockland.ny.us) or call (845) 364-2360.