The Power of Movement
How can we help our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in an increasingly demanding school environment? Crescent students have countless opportunities to engage in our Character-in-Action programs (athletics, the arts, business, robotics, and outreach initiatives) and other teams and clubs. Academically, students navigate a rigorous schedule structured in 80-minute class periods, complemented by Home Form/Mentor Group and community time. While these opportunities foster growth and discovery, they also present the challenge of balance. How do we, as educators, manage their commitments while supporting their mental health?
In Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, John Ratey explores the transformative benefits of exercise—not only for physical health but as a catalyst for cognitive development, emotional well-being, and mental resilience. A key takeaway from the book is how physical activity enhances learning and memory. Ratey explains that exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neuron growth and strengthens neural connections. This insight reinforces the idea that movement isn’t just about staying active—it plays a vital role in optimizing brain function, academic performance and mental sharpness.
Beyond learning, Spark highlights the strong connection between physical activity and mental health. Exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by boosting levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a key role in regulating mood, focus, and attention. Ratey even suggests that for some individuals, exercise can be as effective as medication in managing moderate depression or ADHD. Understanding this science enables us to equip our students with valuable tools to support their emotional well-being and cognitive development.
As a Physical Education Specialist, I have seen the benefits of structured PHE on student well-being. Our Middle School students are fortunate to have structured Physical Education every other day providing consistent opportunities for physical activity. Research, including Ratey’s work, demonstrates that structured PE enhances social skills, fosters positive behaviour, and improves students’ overall school experience. Given this evidence, we should actively encourage movement throughout the school day—whether through PE classes, extracurricular activities, or short movement breaks in the classroom.
By promoting exercise as a tool for mental and cognitive health, we empower students to manage their busy schedules with resilience and confidence. When movement becomes an integral part of their daily routine, they are better equipped to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. This raises important questions: What are we doing before academic summatives, tasks or projects that require students to demonstrate their learning? Could incorporating movement into each class improve focus and performance? How else can we apply these insights to ensure we are we are setting up our students for success?
