How Physical Education Improves Reading and Math Scores
Physical education is more than just movement—it’s a powerful academic tool. Research shows that well-structured physical education (PE) programs significantly boost student achievement in core subjects like reading and math. This article explores how physical education improves reading and math scores, the science behind it, and practical strategies for implementation in schools.
The Science Behind Physical Education and Academic Success
Numerous studies support the positive connection between physical activity and academic achievement. Students who regularly engage in physical activity demonstrate improved concentration, memory, self-esteem, and verbal skills. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that students who exercised for two hours showed academic improvements of 3.249 standard deviations, highlighting a strong link between physical education and cognitive performance.
Research also shows an inverted U-shaped relationship—moderate activity improves academic outcomes, while excessive activity (over three hours) can have diminishing returns. This balance is crucial in maximizing the benefits of PE for learning, particularly in reading and mathematics, where scores have declined nationally in recent years.
The connection extends to both reading and mathematics. As reading scores continue to decline nationally, with NAEP reporting a two-point drop for both 4th and 8th graders in 2024, implementing effective physical education programs offers a promising strategy to address these concerning trends
How Physical Education Enhances Brain Function
Physical activity stimulates brain cell growth, increases blood flow, and releases hormones that optimize brain function(link). These physiological benefits translate to better working memory, attention span, and information processing speed—key skills for reading comprehension and mathematical reasoning.
Gender-specific responses to physical activity also emerge in the research. Boys show the highest gains with around two hours of exercise, while girls benefit most from one hour, emphasizing the need for personalized, flexible PE programming.
Strategies for Improving Reading through Physical Education
Integrating Literacy into Movement
Embedding literacy activities into PE lessons helps students develop reading skills in a dynamic context (link). Activities such as phonics relay races, vocabulary scavenger hunts, and storytelling yoga reinforce comprehension while keeping students physically active. Reciprocal teaching in PE—where peers guide and provide feedback—also boosts verbal communication and reading comprehension.
Using Movement Breaks to Support Reading Focus
Short physical activity breaks (3–5 minutes) before or during reading instruction have been shown to increase focus and retention, especially for struggling readers. Activities that cross the midline of the body enhance hemispheric integration in the brain, further supporting literacy development.
Strategies for Strengthening Math Skills Through Physical Education
Math-in-Motion Activities
Integrating math into PE (link) makes abstract concepts tangible. Students can calculate heart rates, graph performance, or measure distances, providing practical applications for math skills. Activities that involve measuring, counting, or spatial awareness help reinforce numeracy and mathematical reasoning in real-world contexts.
Structured Games to Reinforce Math Concepts
Games that use geometry, symmetry, and estimation teach mathematical thinking through movement. Forming shapes with bodies, solving math challenges in relay races, or estimating then measuring distances are excellent ways to engage kinesthetic learners.
Practical Implementation for Educators
Designing High-Impact PE Programs
Effective PE programs balance direct instruction (for skill introduction) with indirect methods (for creativity and student ownership). Aim for moderate-intensity activity sessions lasting up to two hours to optimize cognitive and academic gains. Use a mix of teaching styles (command, exploration, and reciprocal) to accommodate diverse learners (link).
Classroom Integration of Physical Activity
Even without a dedicated PE teacher, classroom educators can incorporate standing stations, movement-based transitions, and kinesthetic learning tasks. These methods boost engagement and cognitive functioning throughout the school day.
Gaining Administrative Support for PE Initiatives
Presenting Research-Backed Results
To gain administrative buy-in, present data demonstrating how physical education improves reading and math scores. Use specific statistics—like the 3.249 standard deviation improvement from two hours of physical activity—as evidence. Highlight that physical education is a cost-effective strategy that supports health, academics, behavior, and attendance.
Collaborating for Sustainable Programs
Form teams that include PE teachers, classroom educators, administrators, and parents to design and refine programs. Offer professional development and establish metrics to track academic and physical outcomes. This collaborative approach ensures long-term success.
Optimizing PE Time for Maximum Academic Impact
Identifying the Sweet Spot
Two hours of moderate physical activity appears to yield the greatest academic benefits. For girls, one hour may suffice, while boys benefit more from two. Tailoring PE offerings based on these findings ensures each student receives the optimal amount of exercise to support their learning.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
Incorporate activities that engage cognitive processes such as decision-making, pattern recognition, and strategy. Moderate-to-vigorous intensity sessions are best, but accessibility for all students must be maintained. Directly linking PE content to classroom learning strengthens knowledge transfer.
Enhancing Learning Through Reflection and Goal Setting
Student Journaling in PE
Encouraging students to reflect on their physical experiences through journaling enhances comprehension and critical thinking. Prompts like “What strategy did you use?” or “How can you apply this in class?” support metacognition and literacy development.
Setting SMART Goals for Academic Growth
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) help students stay motivated and focused (link). Students who set academic goals often demonstrate improved homework completion and test scores. Integrating goal-setting into PE nurtures discipline, perseverance, and academic accountability(link).
Using Student Growth Objectives (SGOs)
SGOs help teachers monitor progress and adjust instruction accordingly. These objectives work particularly well in non-tested areas and support cognitive, emotional, and social growth. For example, Carter County Schools saw a 9% increase in reading progress after implementing goal-setting strategies(link).
Rethinking the Role of Physical Education
The evidence is clear: physical education improves reading and math scores when implemented strategically. Rather than competing with academic instruction, PE supports and enhances it. By embracing an integrated model that values both movement and learning, educators can help students achieve academic success while building lifelong physical literacy.
As schools strive to raise achievement, physical education must be viewed as a critical academic intervention, not a luxury. The future of effective education includes physical activity at its core—fueling not only the body but also the brain.
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