Frequently Asked Questions
If you have specific questions about implementing Activity Works™ in your school, please contact us.
What are teachers saying about Activity Works?
Teachers who have used the Activity Works program have reported a range of positive effects - from enhanced memory and attention to better classroom behavior. The best way to show how teachers feel about the program, however, is to let them speak for themselves.
- "The children spend a great deal of time in their seats, especially since we have been preparing for state exams, and Activity Works provides a welcome opportunity for everyone to get up and expend some of their boundless energy." - Third Grade Teacher, NY
- "Activity Works gives them a second wind." - Second Grade Teacher, NY
- "For some of my students who are unmotivated, Activity Works allows them to be excited about something in school." - Third Grade Teacher, NY
- "I think all students benefit from Activity Works, not just one type of student."
- Physical Education Teacher, NY
- "Too often we hear the children complain about being tired. These movement exercises boost their energy levels." - Principal, NY
Activity Works is designed to align with the educational standards for grades 1 through 3. Each 10-minute adventure includes educational content that supports other classroom activities and lessons, helping engage students in learning while encouraging active, healthy behavior.
Teachers are able not only to reinforce classroom learning, but to allow students to release energy and return to their studies refreshed and focused.
Why does Activity Works employ a mixture of audios and video exercises?The Activity Works video adventures introduce students to the program, showing them how the program works and preparing them to jump, skip, and hop to better health. Once students are familiar with how the program works, audio adventures spark their imaginations and require them to interpret and follow audio instructions in an organized way.
In addition, not every classroom and location where Activity Works can be used is equipped with video display technology. By offering a CD-audio format, the number of places that Activity Works can be used is increased dramatically. Teachers simply hit "play" on a boombox and students get the benefit of the Activity Works cardio-protocol.
Does Activity Works replace physical education class?Absolutely not. In fact, Activity Works is often used in physical education class because it is easily scalable. Activity Works is designed to supplement, not supplant, the existing physical education program. The goal is to increase physical education and physical activity.
Does time spent using Activity Works count toward state-mandated requirements for physical education?Many states will accept time spent on Activity Works as meeting the Physical Education mandate, but only if Physical Education staff is providing some ongoing professional development in Physical Education principles to classroom teachers. The Activity Works implementation model explicitly reinforces collaboration between classroom and Physical Education teachers.
Most teachers have extremely busy schedules. Why should they take on another new thing?Activity Works can help teachers accomplish more by allowing young students to burn off some of their seemingly never-ending energy through short activities aligned to the curriculum for grades 1 through 3. After each 10-minute adventure, students are shown to have renewed focus, which can assist teachers in delivering important content in a manner that "sticks."
In addition, each and every one of us can play a part in fighting the childhood obesity epidemic. Short, engaging Activity Works adventures get students out of their seats and moving, making exercise a habit rather than a chore.
How can I get other teachers involved in the Activity Works program?Please feel free to refer your colleagues to this website to learn more about the Activity Works Program. For additional information, they may also complete the inquiry form on this site or contact us directly:
- Email: TTolles@activityworks.com
- Phone: 908.377.2936
