Activity Works integrates ten minute exercise bursts with core curriculum for elementary classrooms. Scientifically-developed, this plug and play program is used to maximize academic performance, combat obesity and meet state mandates for physical education.

Try Activity Works!

"Great ideas originate in the muscles."
-Thomas Edison

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."
-John F Kennedy

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."
-Buddha

"It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor."
-Cicero

"If the body be feeble, the mind will not be strong."
-Thomas Jefferson

"It is remarkable how ones wits are sharpened by physical exercise."
-Pliny the Younger

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."
-John F Kennedy

"If the body be feeble, the mind will not be strong."
-Thomas Jefferson

Efficacy Data

As a science-based initiative, Activity Works is constantly tracking usage and correlating it with observable outcomes. Many schools participate in our ongoing program of data collection. We would be pleased to have you join us.

Please select an area of interest to the left to see how outcomes vary with frequency of use. Data includes responses to in-depth surveys and unsolicited open-ended comments submitted by those who have observed student impact first hand.

After Activity Works, most students show more focus and abiltity to attend to instruction than prior to Activity Works.

Teachers report a positive frequency effect. Teachers who use Activity Works more frequently see a better response by their students. A large majority of teachers who use it 4+ times per week, on average, agree with the aggressive statement that "most students show more focus..."

"Using Activity Works has given my first grade students the opportunity to release their energy in a positive, focused manner which makes them more attentive during instruction."
- Denise Kaeferle, Lanning Square School, Camden

"I am a first grade special education teacher. We have been using Activity Works almost daily and the children look forward to it each day. They seem to be more focused and ready to complete work afterwards."
- Panayiota Valsamis, PS 234Q, New York City

"One of my students was having a very difficult time focusing. I have noticed that the more often we do the activity works activities the more focused and attentive he is throughout the day."
- Nicole Passaretti, PS 127Q, New York City

"We find that after we have finished our Activity Works work-out, students are more focused and ready to finish the school day."
- Lorraine Williams, Alexander Annex Early Childhood Center, Newark, NJ

Students show an overall higher level of endurance and greater ability to sustain activity for the entire 10 minute Activity Works segment.

Almost all of the participating teachers have noticed an improvement with their student's cardio respiratory fitness as a result of Activity Works.

"I have noticed since implementing Activity Works that students' physical stamina has increased, where as in the beginning some students would tire quickly."
- Antonella Acierno, PS 122Q, New York City

"I have definitely noticed an improvement with my student's cardio respiratory fitness level as a result of Activity Works. I have observed that my students don't take as many breaks or stoppages during Activity Works. It's a great way of increasing physical activity for all students and can definitely help schools meet New York state mandated requirements for Physical Education."
- Keith Meilak, PS 234Q, New York City

"My students were actively engaged in both learning fundamental academic concepts all across the standard elementary curriculum as well as a complete physical workout that energized them, motivated them, and contributed to an increase in physical fitness and student achievement."
- Gilda Harris, Jersey City, NJ

"I have noticed an increase in endurance with most students, as well as less fatigue."
- Lenette Battista, PS 122Q, New York City

Students are better behaved after Activity Works.

A similar positive and strong usage effect is reported for overall student behavior.

"I find that most of my students are more focused and less disruptive during the lesson. Activity Works seems to wake them up and calm them down which helps them pay attention and answer questions during our whole group instruction. I was worried that Activity Works would cause my already "hyper" students to be out of control during math however they are more focused and want to participate and be involved in the math lesson."
- Peggy Trinidad, Lanning Square School, Camden

"I find myself using Activity Works when I notice them getting restless and need to move around, and it brings them back to being focused once again."
- Nicole Palazzolo, PS 234Q, New York City

"One of the wonderful things I have noticed since implementing Activity Works is that silly or disruptive behavior fizzled down after students exerted their energy during the exercises. Overall, it's a wonderful program that integrates physical, emotional, and academic success!"
- Antonella Acierno, PS 122Q, New York City

Students request the same Activity Works adventures multiple times.

The students enjoy repeating segments throughout the school year. Teachers report that they enjoy mastering the content and movements contained in the various episodes.

Students request Activity Works when the teacher forgets or when a substitute teacher is present.

Many of the teachers have reported that their students really look forward to their Activity Works motor break on a daily basis. It gives them an outlet for their energy.

"My students were actively engaged in both learning fundamental academic concepts all across the standard elementary curriculum as well as a complete physical workout that energized them, motivated them, and contributed to an increase in physical fitness and student achievement."
- Gilda Harris, PS #38, Jersey City

"The kids look forward to it and it is great exercise for them. They ask for it daily!"
- Kelli Kaelber, PS #9, Woodbridge

"This is such a great program! The kids are so interested in it, and truly enjoy moving around! It's a great way to keep the students engaged during the day!"
- Tricia Donnelly, PS 127Q, New York City

"As the Special Education teacher, I thought this program helped develop hand-eye coordination, memory recall and it made learning fun! I observed the students smiling and laughing as they got themselves involved with the music. Every time the children heard we were going to do the Activity Works program- they became excited and automatically got up and started the routine. I enjoyed myself!"
- Linda Carroll, Special Education, West New York

"We've been using the Activity Works DVDs in our classroom for the past couple of weeks. The kids really enjoy the "adventures" and are asking, "When are we going to do Activity Works?" almost everyday!"
-Michele Greco, PS 234Q, New York City

"They really enjoy it! They look forward to getting up and moving around in between lessons. It is pretty easy and self-explanatory. I even had my substitute do it with the class when I was out one day. The calendar is easy to use and we are tracking every day. They really enjoyed getting the stickers at the end of the week too. I am eager to continue the program for the students and it motivates me to get back to the gym too!"
-Darin Cerreto, PS #9, Woodbridge

Would you recommend Activity Works to a colleague

Positive outcomes and ease-of-use are promoting a willingness (and desire) to recommend the approach to colleagues.

Next year I will use Activity Works as much or more than this year.

The bottom line - Is this new instructional approach sustainable? Overwhelmingly, teachers plan to sustain or increase their usage.

"I have noticed that the children seem more alert and engaged during lessons that occur after the exercise time since the implementation of Activity Works. I look forward to using it with my students next year."
- Jodi Anderson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School, Atlantic City

"We are using Activity Works again this year. Especially now since our special classes (art, gym, music, etc.) have been cancelled. We've actually been using it more to provide our students with that energizing break that they need"
- Lorraine Williams, First Grade Teacher, Alexander Annex Early Childhood Center, Newark, NJ

"My Kindergarteners love Activity Works. It is a great way to get them up and moving while still learning. When I lose track of time, they always remind me that we have not done Activity Works yet. I am a huge proponent of it and am looking forward to using it again next year."
- Christine Schneider, Kindergarten, Jersey City, NJ

"We are actually using Activity Works more this year than we did last year. We will continue to use the program as the teachers and students both enjoy the program."
- Gilda Harris, Jersey City, NJ