Research
Heart Rate Response to Selected Skillastics® Games in Physical Education Classes
Recently, a study measuring the heart rate response to Skillastics® games in Physical Education Classes, revealed that based upon the set target rate zone of 125-185 bpm, the overall average heart rate of children playing Skillastics® was 142 bpm. This average heart rate put children comfortably in the energy efficient zone during moderate to vigorous activity, also known as the fat burning zone. This zone provides cardiovascular benefits for children, and allows them to be active for a long period of time. With that being said, Skillastics® has tremendous benefits in getting children physically active, and studies have shown that children who are more physically active do better academically. For More Information
Skillastics® Benefits for the Brain and Body
Dr. John Ratey, author of Spark, The Revolutionary Science of Exercise and the Brain, says that what makes us move is also what makes us think. Participating in fitness and sport-specific activities like Skillastics® has many benefits for the brain and the body.
What does neuroscience tell us?
- Using both hands or both feet to dribble synchronizes both sides of the body, which organizes, integrates and energizes brain hemispheres for increased cognition. (Hannaford). Basketball Skillastics® and Soccer Skillastics®
- Crossing the midline enlists more parts of the brain for improved attention systems in the brain. (Budde) Basketball Skillastics®, Soccer Skillastics®, Tennis Skillastics®, Volleyball Skillastics®, Character is Cool Skillastics®, Let’ Move in School Skillastics®, Fitness Skillastics®, Fitness Xtreme Skillastics®, BFit4 Winter Skillastics®, Halfpint Skillastics® and Halfpint Bilingual Skillastics®
- Sport-specific activities promote quick reaction and quick decision making. Important skills that can translate into enhanced memory retrieval in the classroom. Basketball Skillastics®, Soccer Skillastics®, Tennis Skillastics®, Volleyball Skillastics®
- Physical activity and exercise can increase memory, balance mood and behavior and improve academic performance. Basketball Skillastics®, Soccer Skillastics®, Tennis Skillastics®, Volleyball Skillastics®, Character is Cool Skillastics®, Let’s’ Move in School Skillastics®, Fitness Skillastics®, Fitness Xtreme Skillastics®, BFit4 Winter Skillastics®, Halfpint Skillastics® and Halfpint Bilingual Skillastics®
- Physical Activity and exercise benefits the brain first feeding it oxygen and glucose and changing the brain at a molecular level. Exercise grows brain cells and improves memory. Basketball Skillastics®, Soccer Skillastics®, Tennis Skillastics®, Volleyball Skillastics®, Character is Cool Skillastics®, Let’s Move in School Skillastics®, Fitness Skillastics®, Fitness Xtreme Skillastics®, BFit4 Winter Skillastics®, Halfpint Skillastics® and Halfpint Bilingual Skillastics®
- In the process of physical activity and exercise, the brain and body are working together to increase cognition for improved attention and learning. Basketball Skillastics®, Soccer Skillastics®, Tennis Skillastics®, Volleyball Skillastics®, Character is Cool Skillastics®, Let’s Move in School Skillastics®, Fitness Skillastics®, Fitness Xtreme Skillastics®, BFit4 Winter Skillastics®, Halfpint Skillastics® and Halfpint Bilingual Skillastics®
Information provided by: Jean Blaydes Madigan, Action Based Learning Ladder, www.actionbasedlearning.com
Skillastics® Study of Physical Education Teachers in the State of Alabama
Physical education teachers in Alabama using the Skillastics® Program expressed strong support. Here are some of the positive results after questioning over 100 teachers teaching Skillastics®:
- In Alabama, 82% believe Skillastics® can be used as a tool to develop sportsmanship and, to promote students working collaboratively in groups. Fairness and courtesy are important for students in any setting and are skills that will serve students in their future endeavors in the 21st century. The business community has requested that the educational process prepare students to work in groups.
- What a way to get kids actively involved! As physical educators we want our students actively engaged. In teaching Skillastics® 92% of Alabama teachers believed that students were active seventy-percent of the class time. Students participating actively in Skillastics® are willing to concentrate through variations and transitions, with less active students assuming active participation. The less active students were motivated by the Skillastics® program to participate.
- Lack of concentration and follow through with difficult assignments is a major block to fully developing as a student. Students experience the rewards of maintaining focus and exerting effort to reach goals. Physical activity has a significant impact on mental and emotional health and is integral to student’s success in school. Teachers using the Skillastics® Program believed students learned to enjoy physical activity. 93% percent of the teachers either strongly agreed or agreed students looked forward to participating.
- Overall, teachers in Alabama strongly agree that Skillastics® is efficient and user friendly. The ease and setup maximizes the time that teachers can actually spend with students in participating in the Skillastics® Program!
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Testimonials
My kids loved Soccer Skillastics®! I had a student teacher who had a few weeks of lessons to fill in for, and he was a soccer player, so I gave him the Soccer Skillastics® to work into a mini soccer unit. He loved it and the kids loved it!