Physical Activity and Learning After School ─ The Pal Program

Every school day, more than 10 million children attend after-school programs in the United States. This book provides a research-based blueprint for offering students in grades 1-5 innovative programming that combines intensive physical activity and social-emotional skills development with academic enrichment in reading, mathematics, and social studies. Presented is an integrative approach that has been developed and tested in high-poverty schools. The volume includes explicit guidance for setting up a program, implementing cognitively engaging physical games and learning activities, working effectively with mixed-age groups, and monitoring outcomes. Reproducible forms and lesson plans can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

Paula J. Schwanenflugel, PhD, is Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Schwanenflugel is author or coauthor of several books and numerous book chapters and journal articles on the development of reading fluency and vocabulary learning in young children. She is a codirector of the Physical Activity and Learning (PAL) Program, a project involving faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of Georgia. Dr. Schwanenflugel oversees the PAL reading enrichment program.

Phillip D. Tomporowski, PhD, is Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Tomporowski is author or coauthor of several books and numerous book chapters and journal articles on the role of exercise in improving cognitive functioning in children and older adults. He is the principal investigator and director of the Physical Activity and Learning (PAL) Program, a project involving faculty from multiple disciplines at the University of Georgia.