ERIC Number: EJ1126644
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1307-9298
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Physical Activity on the On-Task Behavior of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Miramontez, Shane K. H.; Schwartz, Ilene S.
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, v9 n2 p405-418 Dec 2016
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adult-directed physical activities conducted during circle time on the on-task behavior of students during a journal-writing activity held immediately after circle. The participants of the study were three male students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who attended a full day inclusive kindergarten program. During the last five minutes of morning circle the entire class, including the target participants, engaged in one of three activities that required different amounts of physical exertion (yoga, dance party, or book reading) that were selected randomly by the teacher. On-task behavior data was collected for each participant during the first five minutes of the subsequent journal writing activity. Results found that, in general, movement (yoga and dance party) prior to journal led to higher levels of on-task behavior during journal writing, with different activities yielding different outcomes for individual participants. Implications are that students with ASD would benefit from participating in multiple bouts of planned physical activity across the instructional day.
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Physical Activity Level, Student Behavior, Time on Task, Journal Writing, Males, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Class Activities, Comparative Analysis, Kindergarten, Program Effectiveness
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: http://www.iejee.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Kindergarten; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A