How can purposeful movement in the classroom affect focus, attention span and behaviors in eighth grade students?

This study\u27s research question is: how can purposeful movement in the classroom affect focus, attention span and behaviors in eighth grade students? This study grew out of the instructor/researcher\u27s observations that students in her classroom were either lethargic or had expendable energy due to lack of movement in their school day. Research was gathered on brain-based learning as well as how movement affects learning. The three week study was an action research project gathering qualitative data. The instructor, as researcher, implemented a movement program called Smart Moves into the daily routine of the classroom. Pre and post study data was collected through student surveys, a student focus group and a journal of field notes from teacher observations. Results suggest that movement added to the classroom improved student focus and engagement in class. Student feedback suggests that movement was a positive addition to their school day