Back and forth between books and sport: how one school keeps kids active mentally and physically in the class

A new initiative at Bishop Alexander Carter High School in Greater Sudbury has ping pong tables, foosball tables and other sports incorporated into the class environment.

This isn't just to entertain the kids - though they certainly get their fill of fun - but as principal Cassandra MacGregor said, research is showing that 'chunks' of teaching, interspersed with short, active bursts of physical activity help improve kids overall concentration, and eventually improves academic scores.

"We developed a philosophy around physical literacy," MacGregor said, "students can maintain concentration, as well [these games] keeps students moving."

While the notion of having high school students whacking at plastic balls across a classroom might seem counter-intuitive to maintaining an orderly classroom, MacGregor said that so far, teachers haven't experienced much trouble bringing the students back to their lessons.

We're seeing better student engagement, and finding that students want to learn," she said.

Teachers are noticing that after physical activity, the students are on task."

The idea isn't without precedent. MacGregor noted that in Naperville, USA, the entire curriculum has incorporated low-impact athletics into the classroom to keep students engaged.

And Dejan Papic, the executive director of the Ontario Table Tennis Association, noted that ping pong requires quick decision-making and hand-eye co-ordination, two skills that carry over into academics.

Plus, he said injuries are rare, there's no concussions, and a player can stay fit and active after an intense game.

"I feel investing in table tennis," he said, " has many benefits, from health to social."

Grade 9 student Nick Durkac said that he began playing table tennis only when he first saw it in the classroom.

"It helps me concentrate, especially going into an exam," Durkac said, " I play every morning, and sometimes lunch."

MacGregor hopes they are able to maintain this type of philosophy for the near future. The school has been approved for a Ministry of Education grant to study the effects of having ping pong in the classroom.

She's looking forward to beginning her learning, just as the students at Bishop Alexander Carter are certainly looking forward to theirs.