The 7th Annual March Forward
New This Year!...Participating schools/classrooms may choose one day to participate in March Forward between Friday, March 1, 2019 and Friday, March 8, 2019.
Come back again soon for the announcement of the schools that met the benchmark of 75% teacher participation!
March Forward is Rockland County's annual classroom-based physical activity awareness day that takes place in March. 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
On March Forward (any day between March 1st and March 8th), teachers lead students in physically active "brain boosters" or use physical activity in their lessons. Teachers often use the "click and play" videos listed below to guide their students in 1 to 5-minute movement breaks or lead their own activities such as yoga poses or dance. Brain boosters can help students:
- Review academic material
- Relax
- Wake up
- Refocus
Many teachers use movement in their lessons to enhance instructional time. It is most important that the physical activity be a positive experience that is age appropriate, safe, fun and engaging. See the videos and resources below or ask your physical education teacher for ideas.
Three steps to participate in March Forward
- Identify one person to register your school using the March Forward 2019 School Registration Survey. Schools are registered only one time.
- On the self-selected March Forward Day, teachers promote the March Forward message below and use physical activity in the classroom.
- At the end of the day, participating teachers submit their Teacher Feedback Form to describe what took place and to be counted toward their school's teacher participation count.
The March Forward Message for Students and Teachers:
- 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.
Resources for Active Classrooms
- Go Noodle (short movement break videos for children (K-5) to follow along to).
- Jammin Minute
- Fitness breaks all grade levels
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.
- Article: How a Growing Number of States are Hoping to Improve Kids' brains: Exercise
- Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition
- Internet search for images and resources about "active" or "flexible" classroom seating
- Spark - The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John J. Ratey, MD and Eric Hagerman
- The Kinesthetic Classroom Teaching and Learning Through Movement, by Traci Lengel and Mike Kuczala
- Teaching Through Movement Setting Up Your Kinesthetic Classroom, by Stacey Shoecraft
March Forward was created by the Steering Committee of the Rockland County School Health and Wellness Coalition 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.